Help Us Improve Cubberley

Introduction

Palo Alto’s Cubberley Community Center infrastructure is aging. Investing in our community centers, libraries, parks, and public safety facilities, while maintaining the City’s ability to fund basic services, will help ensure that Palo Alto remains a safe, beautiful, and vibrant place to live, work and raise a family. As basic costs rise, the City is committed to investing in safe, modern and accessible spaces for childcare, classes, and youth and adult recreation. A safe and updated Cubberley space to serve as a “resilience hub” for community members and first responders to gather during emergencies like earthquakes, wildfires, extreme heat, or floods is also a priority.

The City and the School District have reached a tentative agreement to purchase seven acres of property on and around the center for a total of 15 acres to support a reimagined community center and advance school improvements.

The City drafted a conceptual master plan, using past community engagement as a foundation, to reimagine and prioritize a long-term vision for a future community center campus.

City Council Adopts Cubberley Conceptual Master Plan & CEQA Document

Building on the 2019 Cubberley Concept Plan, the Draft Cubberley Conceptual Master Plan was developed through a robust community engagement process and represents a long-term vision for the campus. On May 18, 2026, the Palo Alto City Council adopted the Cubberley Conceptual Master Plan and the associated CEQA environmental document. The conceptual Master Plan outlines a three-phased approach and is dependent on successful acquisition of seven acres of land from the Palo Alto Unified School District.

In compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the City completed a Final Initial Study - Mitigated Negative Declaration for the Cubberley Conceptual Master Plan. This document assesses potential environmental impacts and identifies measures to reduce those impacts. Adoption of the CEQA document allows the City Council to move forward with a long-term vision for the site while also enabling near-term improvements and investments. Overall, five environmental resources were identified where impacts were found to be “less than significant with mitigation incorporated”, which were air quality, geology and soils, hazards and hazardous materials, noise, and transportation. Impacts for all other environmental resource areas were found to be “less than significant” or “no impact would occur."

Below, review the Conceptual Master Plan, appendices, Final CEQA Mitigated Negative Declaration and Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program.

The adopted Conceptual Master Plan presents a long-term vision for upgrading the Cubberley Community Center Campus, while the CEQA document offers the foundation for implementing this phased approach over time. Planned property acquisition plus a three-phased approach guides the long-term vision for the site, combining new construction and renovation. This phased approach is necessary as funding is secured while limiting disruption to existing programs and services. Funding from multiple sources will be needed to advance each phase of the Conceptual Master Plan, and may include a combination of development fees, grants, philanthropy, a ballot measure, and community partners. As a next step, the City Council is anticipated to approve a resolution on June 8, 2026, to place a tax measure on the November 2026 ballot to support land acquisition and implementation of the Cubberley Conceptual Master Plan.

While the plan provides a distinct layout of the site and identifies potential future features and amenities, it remains a conceptual and adaptable framework that may evolve as future project phases advance. Each phase could include sub-phases Depending on funding availability, partnership opportunities, and implementation readiness.

Land Acquisition

Phase One

Could be developed incrementally
Recreation Wellness Center / Gym, in partnership with the Friends of the Recreation and Wellness Center
Theatre and performing arts complex, in partnership with TheatreWorks Silicon Valley
Renovation of remaining buildings
Parking and tennis
Education Building

Phase Two *

Visual arts and technology

Phase Three *

Community Services/Rental space/Flexible Space

*These phases could include partial underground parking

Project Description

The City and the Palo Alto Unified School District (PAUSD) executed a memorandum of understanding outlining steps where the City will purchase seven acres of the PAUSD-owned Cubberley site for a new community center. Upon securing funding, the City will purchase seven acres from PAUSD (including the area currently developed with permanent buildings) at the price of $65.5 million. PAUSD will use sale proceeds for school improvements throughout the district. Prior to purchasing the land, the City will develop its conceptual plan and community service goals for the community center and PAUSD will develop its school improvement plans.

Additional Background

The PAUSD Board initiated the process in 2023 with a letter inviting the City to make an offer to purchase additional acres at Cubberley. Both parties proceeded by creating Ad Hoc committees. The City’s committee was made up of Council Members Julie Lythcott-Haims (Chair), Pat Burt and Lydia Kou. Their counterparts from the PAUSD Board were Trustees Jennifer DiBrienza (Chair) and Shounak Dharap.

Use of Cubberley Site by City and PAUSD

The City has leased portions of Cubberley from PAUSD since the late 1980s. Currently, there are 23 tenants and 24 artists who sublease space at Cubberley from the City, along with dozens of individual groups who rent or use the theater, pavilion, classrooms, and athletic fields from the City. Combined, these groups provide the community with a range of valued programs that support health and wellness, childcare, education, recreation, and visual and performing arts.

The PAUSD uses their spaces for educational purposes, staff offices and has leases with some tenants that were previously leasing space from the City. The parking lot in the southeast corner of the property houses several portable trailers which function as a temporary site for Hoover Elementary School through the 2024-2025 academic year (unless construction time frames shift).

City Lease Extension with PAUSD

The City and PAUSD entered into a five-year lease continuing current use of the property, including playing fields and parking lots. The City will pay PAUSD $2 million a year as long as PAUSD uses a portion of the property and $2.5 million per year when PAUSD is no longer using the property. The City will assume responsibility for maintenance and associated costs for areas not used by PAUSD.

Conceptual Master Plan

This Conceptual Master Plan is based on the overarching vision that was developed by City Council then revised by the community: Cubberley will be “a vibrant, beloved, and adaptable destination that promotes learning, interconnectivity, joy and wellbeing where all cultures and generations belong.” The planning team centered this vision in discussions on program uses, phasing, circulation and access. As a result, this Conceptual Master Plan increases usable area in all three of the following areas:

More programmable outdoor space for gathering, events and interconnectivity
More indoor space for the City, local organizations and tenants to continue and expand their much-loved affordable and inclusive programming

More parking capacity to support expanded use while reducing its impact on the useable site area.

Project Timeline & Milestones

Feb 18, 2025 – City Council Visioning Session
March 19, 2025 – First Cubberley Master Planning Community Meeting (Vision, Programming & Placemaking)
April 21, 2025 – City Council direction on Poll #1 themes
April 22, 2025 – Presentation to Parks and Recreation Commission
April 28, 2025 –Poll #1 released to Palo Alto community
June 9, 2025 – City Council review of Poll #1 results
June 12, 2025 – Second Cubberley Master Planning Community Meeting (Three Concept Options)
June 19, 2025 – Public Art Commission Meeting
June 24, 2025 – Presentation to Parks and Recreation Commission
July 9, 2025 – Presentation to Planning & Transportation Commission
July 17, 2025 – Presentation to Architectural Review Board
September 17, 2025 – Third Cubberley Master Planning Community Meeting (Program Organization, Circulation, & Greenspace)
September 23, 2025 – Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting
October 20, 2025 – City Council recap of third community meeting
November 7 –17, 2025 – Poll #2 released to Palo Alto community
December 15, 2025 – City Council review Poll #2 results
January 5-12, 2026 – Poll #3 released to Palo Alto community
February 9, 2026 – City Council review Poll #3 results, Approved Letter of Intent from TheatreWorks Silicon Valley
March 11, 2026 - Presentation to Planning & Transportation Commission and Architectural Review Board
March 19 - 28, 2026 - Poll #4 Released
March 24, 2026 - Presentation to Parks and Recreation Commission
May 18, 2026 - City Council adopted Cubberley Conceptual Master Plan and CEQA Final MND, Received Poll #4 Results

Upcoming Project Milestones

June 8, 2026 – City Council approval of Resolution to place a tax measure on the November ballot
November 2026 – Election and placement of a ballot measure

Archived Work on Cubberley

Community Engagement
We are deeply grateful to our volunteer Community Fellows for their dedication and support throughout the Cubberley Master Planning process. These individuals played an essential role in outreach and education, helping us connect with residents and ensure meaningful participation in the community meetings.

The success of the community meetings would not have been possible without their energy, commitment, and partnership. We truly appreciate their contributions to shaping the future of the new Community Center.

2019 Cubberley Concept Plan
Cubberley Concept Plan
Appendix A - Cubberley Concept Plan
Appendix B - Cubberley Concept Plan
Appendix C - Cubberley Concept Plan
Needs Assessment
Program Document

October 3, 2024 - News Release
City of Palo Alto and PAUSD Agree on Steps Towards Cubberley Purchase

October 7, 2024 - Council Action
Authorize Execution of a Memorandum of Understanding with the Palo Alto United School District for the Purchase and Lease of Land at 4000 Middlefield Road, Informally Known as the Cubberley Site; CEQA Status – Not a Project

December 2, 2024 - City Council Action
Master Plan for the Cubberley Site: (1) Approval of Professional Services Contract Number C25192924 with Concordia, LLC in an Amount Not to Exceed $631,966 for Development of a Revised Master Plan for the Cubberley Site for a Period of Two Years; (2) Approve Budget Amendments in the General Fund and Cubberley Infrastructure Fund; (3) Approve a Letter of Intent with the Friends of the Palo Alto Recreation Wellness Center; (4) Approve the Workplan for Pursuit of a Local Ballot Measure for the November 2026 General Election to fund the Purchase of Land and Development of a New Community Recreation and Resource Center at the Cubberley Site; CEQA Status - CEQA review will be conducted on the Master Plan.

December 6, 2024 - City Council Consent
Approval of the Second Amendment to Lease Agreement Between Palo Alto Unified School District (PAUSD) and City of Palo Alto for a Portion of the Cubberley Site at 4000 Middlefield Road through December 31, 2029, Not-to-Exceed $2,500,000 in Rent per Year; CEQA Status—Not a Project

December 16, 2024 - City Council Consent
Approval Of Professional Services Contract Number C25193087 With Rincon Consultants in an Amount Not To Exceed 202,322 Dollars for the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Review of a Revised Master Plan for the Cubberley Site Over a Period of One Year, and Approval of Budget Amendments in the General Fund and Cubberley Infrastructure Fund

February 18, 2025 - City Council Visioning Session
Minutes, Recording, and Vision Statement Activity
The City Council approved the Vision Statement for the future of the Community Center: A vibrant and beloved destination with activities, amenities, and offerings that promote learning, joy, and wellbeing where all cultures and generations belong.

February 20, 2025 - Blog
5 Ways to Join the Cubberley Conversation

February 24, 2025 - City Council Action Item
Approval of the 2025 City Council Priority Objectives, as well as Committee Objectives and Workplans

March 19, 2025 - Community Meeting #1, Vision, Programming, and Place Making

The first Community Meeting advancing the Master Plan effort was March 19, focusing on the Community Center vision, programming, and place making. Over 120 community members and stakeholders participated in this conversation. Read the meeting recap here.

Meeting 1 Summary
Meeting 1 - Appendix - Data Collection

Cubberley Project, Community Meeting 1 presentation. An introduction of the project consultant team, Concordia. Followed by a brief history of the project and overview of how the project vision statement came to be.

April 21, 2025 - City Council Action Item
Review and Authorize Initiation of Community Poll Number One Themes for the Cubberley Master Plan Project and Receive an Update on the Project Workplan; CEQA Status - the Master Plan will undergo CEQA review.

May 15, 2025 - Blog
Shaping the Future of Cubberley: What We Heard - and What's Next

June 9, 2025 - City Council Study Session
Discuss First Round Polling Results and Feedback from Community and Stakeholder Engagement Activities and Review an Update on the Workplan for the Cubberley Master Plan and Consideration of November 2026 Ballot Measure; CEQA Status - the Mater Plan will undergo CEQA review.

June 12, 2025 - Community Meeting #2 - Three Concepts Presented
The second Community Meeting advancing the Master Plan effort was June 12, presenting three concept designs.

Meeting 2 - Summary Report

At the second Cubberley Community Meeting, Concordia discussed results from the first Cubberley Community Meeting and presented three concept designs to the community for feedback. The June discussion focused on concept designs seeking feedback on the overall layout, relationship of built space vs. outdoor space, and pedestrian/bike traffic flow. The presentation also highlighted what’s next, noting that the September meeting will combine feedback from the three concepts with programming results from the first meeting to inform a single final concept design.

July 16, 2025 - Blog
What We Heard at the Last Community Meeting & What’s Next

September 2025

The City held the third and final community meeting for the Cubberley Community Center Master Plan, facilitated by Concordia. Approximately 150 community members attended and were highly engaged in reviewing the refined concept design.

At the outset, City staff and Concordia recapped the first two community meetings, provided a project overview, and highlighted updates to the concept plan, including indoor and outdoor programming and phasing strategies. The meeting combined and built on the programming ideas and site lay out ideas generated in the first two meetings. Following this presentation, participants engaged in two interactive activities to provide focused feedback.

Meeting 3 - Summary Report

Watch the meeting discussion below.