A plan by Terrapin Crossroads to renovate Beach Park in San Rafael is moving forward following the approval of architectural designs by city officials.
The City Council voted 4-0 Monday, with Mayor Gary Phillips absent, to approve a plan that will add a new dock, bocce courts and drought resistant landscape to the park at 200 Yacht Club Drive along the San Rafael Canal. Council members voted in September to allow Terrapin Crossroads, a restaurant owned by former Grateful Dead musician Phil Lesh, to lease the site from the city.
Tara Patton, executive and operations assistant at Terrapin Crossroads, said the revamped park will have new benches and picnic tables, an artificial lawn where a volleyball net can be set up and three fire pit features fed by gas lines.
“We thought the park could be used in the evenings as well,” Patton said.
A play structure will also be installed for children.
“We do have plans to have lots and lots of activities for children including hula hoops and bubbles,” Patton said. “We think it would be a great place for families to come.”
Councilwoman Maribeth Bushey expressed concern about the plan to use artificial turf.
Ed Tishborn, of Tishborn Studio Landscape Architects, said there’s no water meter for landscaping and the artificial lawn will reduce the need for maintenance.
“You don’t need to use lawn mowers on there,” Tishborn said.
Carlene McCart, director of the city’s Community Services Department, said she’s pleased the plan relies on artificial turf and drought-resistant accent plants.
Councilwoman Kate Colin said she’s excited about the renovation.
“For me, this is what I was envisioning. This is what I was hoping for,” Colin said. “I’m really excited about the potential it will bring to enliven that area.”
Terrapin Crossroads is leasing the park for $15,000 a year for seven years with the option to renew. It’s being required to make at least $100,000-worth of improvements to the park, which can be leveraged against its lease. The city will own all of the improvements at the end of the lease.
Per the lease, the restaurant is allowed to hold 30 ticketed Saturday events each year and serve food in the park year-round. It must hold seven free community events at the park each year.
Ralph Mihan, of the city’s Parks and Recreation Commission, said he’s looking forward to seeing the area improved.
“I envision a lot of things taking place on the canal, which is otherwise ignored,” he said. “I think it’s going to be exciting.”
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