Parks
by John M. Zukoski on March 9, 2009 | 
2 Comments | Topics: Parks · Schools
Shamrock Preschool is operated by Dublin’s Parks and Community Services department at the Emerald Glen Activity Center (comprised of two modular buildings). Starting in June 2009, Shamrock Preschool and the related Tenderfoot Day Camp will move back to the recently rebuilt Shannon Community Center. The preschool will be rechristened Shannon Preschool once the move is complete.
The Dublin City Council originally decided to close the preschool operation at the Emerald Glen Activity Center once the Shannon Community Center was opened. However, it now looks like there is sufficient demand to operate both preschools – one at Shannon and the other at Emerald Glen – based on the 30 student waiting list at Shannon Preschool. It would cost an additional $25K for the 2009-2010 school year if the Council decided to retain one of the modular buildings at Emerald Glen to support the preschool (assuming a 60% enrollment rate in the first year).
Dublin’s Parks and Community Services Commission and City Staff have both recommended to retain one modular building at Emerald Glen to provide space for an additional preschool. This item will go to the City Council on March 17. If the Council concurs with the Commission and Staff recommendation, this item will be considered as part of the annual Goals and Objectives study session on March 31.
by John M. Zukoski on February 11, 2009 | 30 Comments | Topics: Development · Parks
Fallon Gateway Target
The project developer has submitted a pre-application package for a general commercial project on the southwest corner of Fallon Road and Dublin Boulevard (adjacent to I-580). Target is waiting for the project developer to obtain all the necessary entitlements and to put the baseline infrastructure in place (e.g., storm water runoff mitigation channels) before signing the deal and moving forward with the construction of their store (which will likely be a Greatland Target). Target has also expressed interest in building campus office space for their corporate employees at this site.
Another milestone to make this project happen is for Pleasanton to take Alameda County Supervisor Scott Haggerty up on his offer to pay for the Stoneridge Drive extension. Once the extension is completed, Dublin will be able to open up Dublin Boulevard in between Fallon Road and Lockhart Street.
Dublin Historic Park
The City of Dublin is making progress on the Historic Park (located on the corner of Dublin Boulevard and Donlon Way). Our Parks and Community Services department is working to have the Kolb buildings prepped for the move to the Historic Park site. They’ve also been working on obtaining permits from about 6 or 7 different agencies. The activity this week involves the placement of utility lines and infrastructure.
Please feel free to contact the Dublin Parks and Community Services department at 925-833-6645 for more details regarding the Historic Park.
by John M. Zukoski on February 2, 2009 | 4 Comments | Topics: City Hall · Development · Parks
UPDATE: Please check Dublin Townhall for a summary of the City Council’s decision on the Camp Parks / Dublin Crossings project.
The Dublin City Council will be meeting on Tuesday night at 7pm at 100 Civic Plaza to discuss a miscellany of items. Here are just a few of the highlights:
Please join the Around Dublin Team at the City Council meeting this Tuesday night.
by John M. Zukoski on January 23, 2009 | 5 Comments | Topics: Parks
The 700 ft. Alamo Canal Trail undercrossing at the intersection of I-580 and I-680 will be THE first East Bay Regional Parks District (EBRPD) trail connection between Dublin and Pleasanton. As noted by Dublin Parks Commissioner and 2007 Citizen of the Year Rich Guarienti, “closure of this trail gap will provide a new and safe bicycle and pedestrian crossing between Dublin and Pleasanton. Many cyclists now use either the Dougherty Rd./Hopyard Rd. or the San Ramon Rd./Foothill Rd. freeway overcrossings to get between the two cities. This can be quite hazardous at some times of the day. This project would help alleviate this problem.
As a member of the Dublin Parks and Community Services Commission, the East Bay Regional Parks Advisory Committee, and the ACTIA Bicycle and Pedestrian Committee, I have been a long time supporter and advocate for this project.”
The Alamo Canal Trail connection will provide an uninterrupted 25-mile non-motorized corridor from historic Martinez to Pleasanton (with a connection at Centennial Trail near Johnson Drive). Please click on the picture below for a larger view of the Alamo Canal Trail Connection site plan.
Funding for the $3M Alamo Canal Trail connection will come from a variety of sources. The recently passed Measure WW will provide $630K of the required funds and ACTIA will be kicking in a $235K grant. The California River Parkways Grant Program is also expected to contribute funding to complete the connection.
Please contact the City of Dublin’s Senior Civil Engineer Ferd Del Rosario at (925) 833-6637 or ferd.delrosario@ci.dublin.ca.us for additional details regarding this project.
by John M. Zukoski on January 14, 2009 | 21 Comments | Topics: Parks
Dublin’s Parks and Community Service department hosted a community workshop tonight to provide a status on the progress of Phase IV of the Emerald Glen Master Plan (please click on the image above for an illustration). The Emerald Glen Recreation and Aquatics Complex will be a Silver LEED certified facility with state of the art amenities for Dublin’s residents (i.e., it will be uber-green and the envy of the Tri-Valley).
The funding for Phase IV of the project will come from two primary sources – 1) $19.6M of development impact fees (from residential and commercial projects); and 2) earmarks in the General Fund. Because of the economic slowdown, Dublin is still striving to obtain the balance of the $19.6M of impact fees. However, the City still estimates that we should see the first part of Phase IV open to the public by summer 2012. So what will be included in the first part of Phase IV?
Residents attending the workshop had a bumper crop of feedback for the project’s architect (Dahlin Group). Two primary “must-haves” were identified during the discussions:
- Competitive Lap Pool and Teaching Pool – the dimensions of the competitive lap pool would need to be 50 meters by 25 yards with a deep end to ensure that Dublin could host swim meets, water polo events, and diving competitions.
- Indoor Gymnasium – hardwood flooring would allow for basketball, volleyball, badminton, and other activities that could be enjoyed year-round.
A few of the other items that residents noted they’d most like to have included a splash/play area, multi-purpose facility, child care, a fitness facility with a rock climbing wall, an elevated running track above the pool, and an entry desk and cafe area (ice cream for the kids and lattes for mom and dad). Assistant Director of Parks and Community Services Paul McCreary also noted that there will be 200 permanent parking spaces added as part of Phase IV. Presumably, the Recreation and Aquatics Complex would also need to have locker rooms, showers, and an administrative area.
The last phase of Emerald Glen Park is expected to include a Community Center, lake, and outdoor amphitheater. The timing of this facility will depend on the pace of development in eastern Dublin and the collection of community facility impact fees.
The next public workshop will be in approximately 10 weeks. Please check back on Around Dublin for the date/time and location.
by John M. Zukoski on January 9, 2009 | No Comments | Topics: Parks
The City of Dublin’s Parks and Community Services department recently invited residents to help with the design of the new Emerald Glen Recreation and Aquatic Complex. Here’s the information from the public notice that was sent to residents living close to Emerald Glen park:
The City of Dublin invites you to attend a public workshop to provide input on the design of the new Recreation and Aquatic Complex planned for Emerald Glen Park. A Master Plan was developed for this facility in 2005. It envisions a 36,000 square-foot facility featuring many active recreational amenities such as gymnasium, fitness center, aerobics and dance studio, game lounge, competition swimming pool and a leisure/instructional pool.
The purpose of this workshop is to meet with residents to discuss the programs planned for the facility and confirm that residents still desire the amenities identified in the 2005 Master Plan. The City also wants to hear what residents think should be the guiding principles for the design of this new facility. Refreshments will be provided.
The meeting will be held on Wednesday, January 14, 2009 at 7:30PM at the Emerald Glen Activity Center located at 4201 Central Parkway, Dublin.
For questions please contact Paul McCreary, Assistant Director of Parks and Community Services, at 833-6645, or via e-mail at paul.mccreary@ci.dublin.ca.us.
by John M. Zukoski on November 23, 2008 | No Comments | Topics: Parks · Things To Do
Are you looking for something fun to do with the family this holiday season? The City of Dublin is hosting numerous events throughout the holiday season. Please check out the Dublin Recreation Guide to check out the activities noted below:
Dublin Holiday Tea
Sunday, November 30, 12:30pm
Dublin Heritage Center
Treat yourself or someone you love to a special luncheon in the warm holiday glow of the Old Murray School. Merry volunteers will serve a three course luncheon, from scones to pastries, while harpist Dominique Piana fills the air with holiday music. This event is expected to sell out, so get your tickets today!
$20 per person/$70 for a table of four
25th Annual Tree Lighting – Thursday, December 4, 7:00-8:00pm
Fountain Courtyard, Dublin Civic Center
Bring the whole family and share the excitement of the holiday season with entertainment, caroling and refreshments. This is a FREE event, but contributions of canned foods for the Open Heart Kitchen or an unwrapped toy for Toys for Tots will be greatly appreciated. There will be performances by Valley Christian Choir, DUSD Children’s Choir, and a sing-a-long with Girl Scout Troop 30657. And we will all be on the look-out for Santa!
* New this year, we’ve added a special stand in the lobby—feel free to bring a decoration, ornament, or any other item that represents your holiday traditions, customs or culture, to place on our “Community Tree.”
Old-Fashioned Holiday Workshop & Visit Old St. Nick – Saturday, December 6, 2:00-4:00pm
Dublin Heritage Center
Come create old-fashioned holiday decorations and gifts using oranges, spices, popcorn, gingerbread and pinecones. Holiday sing-a-long, cider and cookies. You can also visit with a gentle, old-time St. Nick, receive a treat and even get your picture taken!
Workshop: $5 children—Activity No. 19264
Photo with Old St. Nick: $5—Activity No. 19265
* Tickets are also available at the door
Breakfast with Santa – Saturday, December 13
Dublin Senior Center
Santa Claus is coming to town! You and your little ones are invited to have breakfast (or lunch) with Santa! Tickets are on sale now…so sign-up today because this event always sells out! Proceeds benefit the Dublin High School Irish Guard Band.
$6 Residents/$7 Non-Residents
1st seating: 8:30am—Activity No. 19597
2 nd seating: 10:00am—Activity No. 19598
Lunch: 11:45am—Activity No. 19599
Holiday Toon Fest – Saturday, December 13, 2:00-4:00pm
Dublin Heritage Center
Drop the kids off and catch up on holiday preparations. They will love the old classic cartoons, movies and holiday refreshments.
(8 years and older)
$3 per person
Activity No. 19677
* Tickets are also available at the door
Bay Bells – Sunday, December 14, 3:00 and 4:30pm
Dublin Senior Center
Back by popular demand, the City of Dublin is thrilled to have Bay Bells perform TWO special holiday concerts for the whole family. Performing on over 100 bells and chimes and representing over 200 years of musical experience, Bay Bells is one of the nation’s longest-running community hand-bell ensembles. Each show will be approximately 40 minutes and the whole family is encouraged to attend, especially children.
3:00pm show—Activity No. 19278
4:30pm show—Activity No. 19279
Adults—$8
Youth (6-12 yrs.)—$5
Children (5 & under)—$3
* Tickets are also available at the door
Letters from Santa
Do you know a child who would like to receive a personalized letter from Santa? Each letter will be personalized based on the information submitted on the Letter to Santa registration form. You may also attach a letter from your child to Santa with the registration form. Please note: the deadline for registration forms is Wednesday, December 10.
$5 Residents/$6 Non-Residents
Activity No. 19596
There are 3 ways that you can register for these fabulous events:
- Go online to http://www.dublinrecguide.com and click on Activities; follow the prompts to register
- Complete the Registration Form on page 44 of the Recreation Guide and mail to: Parks & Community Services, City of Dublin, 100 Civic Plaza, Dublin, CA 94568
- Stop by the Parks & Community Services Annex Office located at the Dublin Library
Please feel free to call Parks & Community Services at 556-4500 if you have any related questions.
by John M. Zukoski on September 20, 2008 | 1 Comment | Topics: Parks
On March 4, 2008, the Dublin City Council approved an addendum to the Dublin Historic Park Master Plan to relocate structures and artifacts from the Kolb Ranch to the Dublin Historic Park. Why are the Kolbs so important to Dublin?
The Kolb farm, located on Dublin Canyon Road, was historically linked to the center of Dublin. George Kolb ran Dublin’s General Store, was a school trustee, was Dublin’s postmaster, and established the first library and phone company in Dublin. But, the Kolb connection to Dublin was obscured in 1952 with the construction of Highway 580. When Dublin was incorporated in 1982, the Kolb property was outside of the city’s sphere of influence in an unincorporated area of Alameda County. In 2001, the City of Pleasanton annexed the Kolb property.
In 2006, Carol Strom, granddaughter of George Kolb, asked the City of Dublin if they would like the Kolb house. George Kolb, born in Bavaria in 1867, came to America and made his way to the Amador Valley in the early 1880s. After working at his brother’s store in Pleasanton, George purchased Dublin’s general merchandise store from John Green. George married Wilhelmina Hartung and they lived in a little cottage located behind the store on Dublin Boulevard. They had two sons, Harold and Edwin.
In 1911, George purchased 350 acres from JW Dougherty on what is now Dublin Canyon Road. They built a craftsman bungalow, barns and outbuildings. Their farm was laid out in a logical order so that the family could run the operations. George’s son Edwin married Pauline Bernal and built his own house on the property. Harold married Elsie Kroeger and they had three children: Donna, William and Carol.
When George Kolb died in 1933, Harold and his family ran the farm. Harold Kolb, who lived from 1900-1989, saw many changes, and became an advocate for Dublin. He led a Dublin incorporation movement in 1966 and 1967. Harold preserved the 1856 Murray School building, (located just across the street from their home) and gave regular talks on Dublin’s history.
The Kolb farm prospered in Dublin for almost 100 years. Three generations of the Kolb family have pioneered, ranched and helped to keep Dublin’s history.
Please check out the Dublin Heritage Center at 6600 Donlon Way if you’d like to learn more about Dublin’s rich history.
by John M. Zukoski on August 31, 2008 | No Comments | Topics: Development · Parks
A few quick updates on the Shannon Community Center and Medium Density Designations in Dublin:
- Shannon Community Center – The Dublin City Council will be authorizing the City to name the Shannon Community Center Banquet Hall in honor of our outgoing City Manager Richard Ambrose on Tuesday night. The banquet hall will be aptly named Ambrose Hall. Also of note, the contractor has experienced some delays at the Shannon Community Center. In light of these delays, the Center will likely not be completed until Dec-08 or Jan-09.
- Medium Density Designation – The Dublin City Council and Planning Commission held a joint study session on August 19th to evaluate many of of the critical new residential development issues related to medium density definitions, setbacks, density calculations (net vs. gross), etc. The highlight of the session was the discussion related to the proposed change to the medium density (e.g., townhouses) calculation applied to a few parcels in the Fallon Village development (i.e., the Jordan and Croak properties). While the Planning Commission disagreed, the City Council reaffirmed their desire to see the medium density designation split out on the Jordan and Croak properties between Medium-Low and Medium-Mid to ensure that the future developers don’t simply build to the highest density possible on the land. Please click here for background information on change that is expected to soon be ratified by City Council. This is good news for residents that would like to see homes with larger lot sizes (e.g., small backyard setbacks). It’s important to note that these new medium-low and medium-mid designations only apply to the Jordan and Croak properties and not properties like Sorrento East.
