Staff Recommendation:
Piedmont Recreation Department (PRD) staff approves an appropriation from the general fund reserve in the amount of $15,000 as a contribution toward the expense of a new gymnasium floor in the Piedmont Middle School Patio Gymnasium.
Background:
For many, many years, the linoleum floor in the PMS Patio Gym has been a poor playing surface. It is extremely slippery and is not conducive for basketball or volleyball. Regardless of the cleaning program, it has remained a problem.
The Piedmont Basketball Program has taken the initiative to have this floor replaced. In coordination with PUSD and the Recreation Department, Mr. Cooper (letter attached) has done considerable research, organized field trips to see floors at other schools and made a recommendation for a new floor – the Robbins Co. synthetic type. PUSD Asst. Supt. Michael Brady concurs with Mr. Cooper’s recommendation as do I.
The cost estimate for the new floor is $60,000. PUSD has committed to funding one-half ($30,000) of the cost while the Basketball Foundation has pledged 25% or $15,000. The city is being asked to fund the other 25%, or $15.000.
This facility is used for city programs from September thru March for volleyball and basketball programs for grades 3 -8, although most basketball use is for the younger players. We also use this gym occasionally in the summer for camps. Mr. Redford has informed me that he would schedule more programs in this gym if a new floor were to be installed.
After visiting this type floor in a school in Foster City (13 years old) and a new installation in Burlingame, and based on use of the facility for city programs, I recommend City Council approval of this appropriation in the amount of $15,000.
Recreation Commission Recommendation:
The Recreation Commission has considered this matter and has unanimously recommended City Council approval of participation in the funding for this project.
