Novato seeks ideas for Ignacio park renovation
The city has budgeted $270,000 for upgrades at Josef Hoog Community Park on Marin Oaks Drive.
Novato is asking the public for comments on renovation plans at Josef Hoog Community Park in the Ignacio area.
The initiative is part of the recently adopted parks master plan, which outlines proposed upgrades and enhancements for the park’s play structure and surfacing. The online survey is available through 11:59 p.m. June 30.
“We are excited to hear our community’s preferences for this future playground replacement project,” said Katie Gauntlett, parks and recreation director. “This survey is just the first of several opportunities for our community to share their input on features such as play equipment, surfacing, perimeter fencing and other amenities.”
As of Friday, the online survey had 248 visitors and 167 responses, Gauntlett said.
The 9.8-acre park is on Marin Oaks Drive near the Marin Country Club. The city has budgeted $270,000 for the renovation of the playground and surface material. The cost includes demolition of the old structure, the construction of a new one and the installation of the surface.
The master plan notes the playground equipment is old and has sand as fall protection. Sand is not an approved surface for play structures.
The online survey in intended to solicit public opinions about modifications related to amenities, renovations and new surfacing. The survey includes questions about the respondents’ residency, frequency of visits to the park, disabilities and interest in play elements, surfacing and perimeter fencing.
“The parks master plan is rooted in community engagement and it is a roadmap for park planning and recreation development,” said Mayor Mark Milberg. “What a great opportunity for our residents to now weigh in on what they envision for the Joseph Hoog Community Park.”
The park has 67 accessibility barriers to disabled visitors, according to the parks master plan. Only Miwok Park, with 90 barriers, has more.
The city is planning a public meeting at the park at 6 p.m. Thursday for residents to offer comments in person about renovations at the site.
“We are very interested in hearing what the community wants for this park,” said Councilmember Tim O’Connor. “Our goal is to create a space that appeals to all of our residents, and we look forward to working with them to make that happen.”