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City wants feedback on draft Youth Master Plan
Challenges include over-programmed youths

by Dolores Fox Ciardelli

Pleasanton has completed the draft of its latest Youth Master Plan and is now looking for feedback.

"This was a comprehensive community process and we feel it is vital to continue tapping community opinion," said Jon Burchett, chairman of the Youth Master Plan Implementation Committee.

The Draft Youth Master Plan was developed in three phases over the course of more than a year, according to city officials. It was worked on by more than 300 community stakeholders such as parents, youth, school district representatives, private businesses and youth service organizations.

Pleasanton's first Youth Master Plan was adopted in 2001 to assess the needs and wants of the community's young people from babies up to age 22. From that data emerged plans for the BMX bike park that has since opened, and a youth-based website, P-Town 411, which serves to keep local kids informed and communicating.

Fast forward nine years to another generation of Pleasanton youth with different needs, prompting an update to the original master plan. The information-gathering effort concluded with a workshop where 75 community members of all ages commented on the draft plan's vision, values and goals, and suggested possible strategies.

The focus groups concluded that most residents consider Pleasanton a safe, supportive and friendly community with a great location and climate, quality educational system, and many civic minded residents. Challenges include over-programmed youths, a lack of available places and spaces for them to meet, and a need for better conduits to information about local youth activities and resources.

The completed Youth Master Plan Update is expected to be reviewed by the Pleasanton City Council and the Pleasanton Unified School District Board of Trustees this summer. Upon completion, it is projected to be valid for seven to 10 years.

Residents are encouraged to view the Draft Youth Master Plan on the city website at www.ci.pleasanton.ca.us and send comments to youthmasterplanupdate@ci.pleasanton.ca.us until Friday, May 28. For more information, contact Maria Lara at 931-5002.