Pleasanton Parks and Recreation Master Plan

P a g e | 15 A P P E N D I X B some areas there was evidence of social trails as well as dead or declining vegetation due to soil conditions and/or watering issues. Compaction around tree wells was well managed with ample bark/mulch around the drip line. Recommendations  The City should continue to maintain and expand the tree inventory to collects species, age, location and maintenance history. This will assist with workload and help to develop a tree replacement program as older trees reach the end of their lifecycles.  Soils around the roots of trees should be aerated to reduce soil compaction that can smother the roots of some trees. Metal grates around the bases of tree trunks must be periodically checked and broken outward to prevent the tree trunk growing into the metal.  Regularly inspect for overflow and soil moisture, adjusting watering levels as necessary at all landscaped areas adjacent to paved parking areas, park roads and paved trails.  Annually (October/November) test soil to assess nutrient deficiencies, following with an application of appropriate fertilizer and/or soil additives to promote healthily root growth. Soil fertility fluctuates throughout the growing season with the quantity and availability of mineral nutrients altered by the addition of fertilizers, sulfur, lime, etc. and the removal from soils as a result of plant growth and development. Soil test should be taken at various locations dependent on the plant material and its ability to grow in various soil conditions. Specialized Facilities/Skate Parks/Community Garden/Dog Parks Existing Conditions Specialized facilities such as the skate park and community garden were found to be in good condition. Cracking within the concrete was limited with little debris collection evident at the bottom and corner locations of the skate park. Facilities include an inline at Val Vista and a skate park at the Sports and Recreation Community Park. The Community Services Department operates a community garden in Val Vista Community Park. Department information states that the garden is comprised of thirty-three (33) full-sized patches, each measuring approximately 225 sq. ft. and, as of January 1, 2011, seven (7) new smaller patches of approximately 100 sq. ft. were added to the gardens, bringing the total patches to 40. The Community Garden at Val Vista is a very popular program and continues to maintain a waiting list of city residents who would like to utilize a garden plot. Due to the popularity and length of the waiting list, the City is encouraged to evaluate the park system for underutilized areas of parks which could be potential community garden locations. The City currently operates one Dog Park at Muirwood Community Park. This well maintained facility is broken into a large and small dog section and includes sitting areas and other amenities.