Foster City works on improving, expanding parks

During a recent assessment, which included community outreach, city staff found that it had a generally lower level of reservable picnic areas and dog parks than other municipalities. And even though the amount of open space is relatively high compared to other similar cities in the region, it may still need to increase its open space to accommodate future growth.

“We are currently proposing that the city maintain the current service level of 3.2 acres per 1,000 residents, and so that would equate to about 13 additional acres needed by 2040 if you take into account anticipated population growth,” said Madison Merrill, landscape planner at WRT, a consultant firm working with the city. “This may seem like quite a feat since Foster City is quite built out, but there are a couple opportunities that we see as sort of low-hanging fruit as far as additional park land.”

For instance, a former disposal site adjacent to Sea Cloud Park could potentially transform into open space, given appropriate restoration efforts. The city is working on a grant application that would allow for initial site research.

Merrill added that land near Bay Winds Park, some of which is vacant Caltrans property, could also be considered.

“Adjacent to Bay Winds Park we have the golf course, and we also have vacant Caltrans property. The future of these properties is not super clear, but if things do change over time there is potential to consider additional open space,” Merrill said.

The firm also listed some recommendations for each of the city’s 24 parks. For instance, Leo J. Ryan Park could see more pickleball courts, partially to accommodate tournaments, as well as improved docking areas.

Councilmembers also made suggestions for park improvements, such as incorporating cricket fields, which Mayor Stacy Jimenez said remains in high demand. Merrill said residents also said they enjoyed the city’s large annual events but also preferred those that are more focused on local community members.

“Those kinds of signature events can be both,” Councilmember Phoebe Venkat said. “It attracts a crowd outside [of Foster City] but also feels like people have pride in their city.”