Town youths weigh in on Memorial Park upgrades
Comments from San Anselmo youths are guiding the planning efforts for upgrades at Memorial Park.
The town is working on a master plan update of its largest park. Recent surveys have polled the public about adding features and amending the plan, which has governed gradual improvements at the park since 2017.
Opened in 1926 at 1000 Sir Francis Drake Blvd., the 3.2-acre park includes sports fields, a playground, a garden, a skate park, a snack shack, tennis and basketball
courts, grassy areas, a dog park, a picnic area, hiking access and restrooms.
The renovations are planned for the park's west side in an area bound by Sunny Hills Drive and the snack shop, including the skate park and tennis court.
A first round of survey results was released to the commission in February. A second set of responses was discussed at a Parks and Recreation Commission meeting on Tuesday. The latest survey involved students at White Hill Middle School, San Domenico School and Archie Williams High School.
Dannielle Mauk, director of community services, said the town
heard from about 100 additional respondents. “When we looked at the age groups that responded we didn't get any responses from the youth,” Mauk said. “I think because the kids are the users of the park, and recreation provides so many activities to them, that it is so important to have their voice in trying to decide what kind of programs they want to see. They are dreamers and it is important to get their feedback.”
The youth results were largely in line with what adults expressed, such as new restrooms and shaded picnic areas, and a snack shack that could