San Mateo County Parks to Remodel Fitzgerald Marine Reserve to Meet ADA Requirements and Create Better Wayfinding; to be Completed by Fall – coastside buzz

 

Report on Proposed Developments at Fitzgerald Marine Reserve Park

Project Overview and Objectives

A proposal has been submitted by the San Mateo County Parks Department for a Coastal Development Permit concerning site improvements at the Fitzgerald Marine Reserve Park. The primary objective of this project is to enhance the site’s public utility and accessibility by creating an Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant picnic space. This initiative is aligned with a broader commitment to inclusive community infrastructure and sustainable development.

Proposed Scope of Work

The project encompasses the following specific enhancements:

1. Installation of a new 130-foot-long wooden split railing fence along California Avenue.
2. Installation of a new base rock pathway connecting California Avenue to the Ranger Station.
3. Construction of two new concrete retaining sitting walls, each 12 feet long and 17-19 inches high, surrounding a previously approved whale skeleton exhibit (PLN2023-00056).
4. Installation of three new memorial benches.
5. Installation of three new wooden picnic tables.
6. Installation of a new snail statue as a site feature.

Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The proposed development project demonstrates a strong commitment to several key United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), integrating principles of social equity, environmental stewardship, and community well-being into its design.

SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities & SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

The core of the project directly addresses the targets of SDG 10 and SDG 11 by focusing on universal access.

• Enhanced Accessibility: By creating an ADA-compliant picnic area and pathway, the project ensures that public spaces are accessible to people with disabilities, promoting social inclusion and reducing inequality.
• Inclusive Public Spaces: The development supports SDG Target 11.7, which calls for providing universal access to safe, inclusive, and accessible green and public spaces for all, particularly for persons with disabilities, children, and older persons.

SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

The improvements contribute to community health and well-being by enhancing the quality and accessibility of public recreational facilities.

• Promoting Outdoor Activity: Accessible and well-equipped parks encourage physical activity and outdoor recreation, which are essential for maintaining good physical and mental health.
• Access to Green Space: Providing high-quality public green spaces offers restorative benefits and reduces stress, contributing to the overall well-being of the community.

SDG 14: Life Below Water & SDG 15: Life on Land

As the project is located at a sensitive marine reserve, its implementation is guided by principles of environmental protection.

• Sustainable Development Practices: The Coastal Development Permit process ensures that all construction and site modifications are reviewed for potential environmental impacts, safeguarding the delicate marine and terrestrial ecosystems of the Fitzgerald Marine Reserve.
• Environmental Education: The integration of features like the whale skeleton exhibit and a snail statue serves an educational purpose, raising public awareness of local biodiversity and the importance of conservation, which supports the long-term protection of life below water and on land.

Procedural Details and Governance

Hearing Information

• Governing Body: San Mateo County Planning Commission
• Meeting Date: July 9, 2025
• Agenda Item: #4

San Mateo County Planning Commission Members

• Frederick Hansson (Representing Second District)
• Carlos Serrano-Quan (Representing Fifth District)
• Manuel Ramirez Jr. (Representing Fourth District)
• Kumkum Gupta (Representing First District)
• Vacancy (Representing Third District)
• Steven Monowitz (Staff, Community Development Director)
• Diana Shu (Staff, Department of Public Works)

SDGs Addressed in the Article

SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

• The article highlights that the San Mateo County Parks Department’s proposal aims to make the Fitzgerald Marine Reserve Park site an “ADA-compliant picnic space.” This directly addresses the need to ensure accessibility for people with disabilities, promoting their inclusion in community and recreational life.

SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

• The project focuses on “site improvements” to a public park, which is a key component of sustainable urban and community development. By creating an accessible and improved picnic area with new tables, benches, and pathways, the project enhances the quality and accessibility of green public spaces for residents and visitors.

SDG 14: Life Below Water

• The project is located at the “Fitzgerald Marine Reserve Park.” While the improvements are terrestrial (a picnic area), they are part of the management of a protected coastal and marine ecosystem. Properly managed public access and facilities, such as fences and designated pathways, help minimize human impact on the sensitive marine environment, contributing to its conservation.

SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

• The article details a transparent and participatory governance process. It mentions the “San Mateo County Planning Commission meeting,” the public availability of the “Agenda” and “Staff Report,” and lists the commission members. This demonstrates an accountable and inclusive decision-making process at the local government level.

Specific Targets Identified

Under SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

• Target 10.2: “By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status.” The project’s goal of creating an “ADA-compliant picnic space” is a direct action to promote the social inclusion of persons with disabilities.

Under SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

• Target 11.7: “By 2030, provide universal access to safe, inclusive and accessible, green and public spaces, in particular for women and children, older persons and persons with disabilities.” The proposal to install a new pathway, sitting walls, and picnic tables in a public park, with a specific focus on ADA compliance, directly aligns with this target.

Under SDG 14: Life Below Water

• Target 14.2: “By 2020, sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems to avoid significant adverse impacts…” The improvements, such as the “130-foot-long wooden split railing fence” and a “new base rock pathway,” help manage visitor flow and protect the Fitzgerald Marine Reserve from uncontrolled access and potential degradation.

Under SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

• Target 16.7: “Ensure responsive, inclusive, participatory and representative decision-making at all levels.” The article’s reference to a public “Planning Commission hearing,” a published “Agenda,” and a “Staff Report” exemplifies a transparent and participatory process for local development decisions.

Indicators Mentioned or Implied

For SDG 10 and SDG 11

• The specific project components serve as direct indicators of progress. The construction of an “ADA-compliant picnic space,” the installation of a “new base rock pathway,” and the creation of “concrete retaining sitting walls” are measurable actions toward providing accessible public infrastructure. The completion of these items indicates progress towards Targets 10.2 and 11.7.

For SDG 14

• The implementation of infrastructure designed to manage public access is an implied indicator. The installation of a “130-foot-long wooden split railing fence” and a defined “pathway” can be measured as part of a management plan to protect the marine reserve, thus serving as an indicator for Target 14.2.

For SDG 16

• The existence and public accessibility of governance documents are clear indicators. The article points to the “Agenda” and “Staff Report” for the “Planning Commission Hearing,” which are tangible indicators of a transparent and responsive decision-making process, aligning with Target 16.7.

SDGs	Targets	Indicators
SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities	Target 10.2: Promote social, economic and political inclusion of all, including persons with disabilities.	The proposal to make the site into an “ADA-compliant picnic space.”
SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities	Target 11.7: Provide universal access to safe, inclusive and accessible, green and public spaces.	Installation of a “new base rock pathway,” “concrete retaining sitting walls,” and “three new wooden picnic tables” to improve a public park.
SDG 14: Life Below Water	Target 14.2: Sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems.	Installation of a “130-foot-long wooden split railing fence” and a defined pathway to manage visitor access at a “Marine Reserve Park.”
SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions	Target 16.7: Ensure responsive, inclusive, participatory and representative decision-making.	The holding of a public “Planning Commission hearing” with a publicly available “Agenda” and “Staff Report.”

Source: coastsidebuzz.com