Title
Memorial Park Improvement Project
Staffreport
SUMMARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Staff will update the Committee on the plans, schedule, and budget for the Memorial Park Improvement Project.
BACKGROUND
Memorial Park is a 2-acre park at the intersection of Callan Ave and Bancroft Ave. Originally built in 1938, it was expanded to include a parking lot, play equipment, and a restroom in 1975. In 2004, the play equipment was replaced.
In June 2017, as part of the City budget for fiscal year 2018-19, the City Council appropriated $1,250,00 in park development fees for Chabot Park playground and amphitheater improvements and $3,000,000 in park development fees for creation of a Downtown Park. These appropriations were made based on projected receipt of park development fees that did not materialize. Of the $4,250,000 appropriated only $2,000,000 has been received and is available for use.
In 2019, staff prepared a conceptual plan for a $5,000,000 renovation of Memorial Park and, with Council’s approval, submitted several grant applications. In 2021, a grant was received through the State earmark process for $2,750,000.
In 2022, the City received $234,000 in Proposition 68 per capita funds for Thrasher Park.
Analysis
Memorial Park is near the end of its useful life. The restroom, irrigation, and other utilities need replacement to ensure continued suitability for use by the public. In addition to renovation, the 2019 concept plan includes improvements to make the park and play area accessible for residents of all abilities. There are no other all ability play areas in San Leandro at this time. Full renovation of the park at one time is the most efficient and cost effective method for making improvements; however, the existing grant is insufficient for renovation of the entire park. Staff recommends appropriating additional funding for Memorial Park improvements. Alternatively, a portion of the park can be renovated with the existing grant funds and the balance of work can be deferred.
The City Budget contains appropriations for Chabot Park and a future Downtown Park that are beyond the funding available; consequently, these two projects have not been started. Staff recommends returning these projects to the unfunded project list and appropriating $2,000,000 in park development funds for Memorial Park. Alternatively, the existing balance in the park development fund could be saved until sufficient money accumulates to fund Chabot Park and the Downtown Park projects, or the $2,000,000 balance could be used for another park project.
The per capita funds received for Thrasher Park are currently intended for resurfacing of the horizontal skate park surfaces; however, the skate park was built in 1997 and doesn’t meet the needs of the current generation of skaters. Staff recommends shifting this funding to Memorial Park. Alternatively, the grant funds could be used to make improvements to Thrasher Park.
Attachment to Staff Report
• Memorial Park Presentation
PREPARED BY: Nick Thom, City Engineer, Engineering and Transportation Department