FISCAL IMPACT:
No General Funds are involved. $123,000 in Park Dedication funds that have accumulated in the Rodeo census tracts will be used to help finance the community outreach, planning, design, and installation of improvements at Lefty Gomez Park. The requested $123,000 is in addition to a prior allocation of $150,000 in Park Dedication Funds and $456,305 of Measure WW funds. If approved, the balance of Park Dedication Funds in the Rodeo census tracts will be approximately $573.
BACKGROUND:
In June 2013, the East Bay Regional Park District approved the County’s application for $456,305 in Measure WW funds to finance a number of improvements at Lefty Gomez Park located at 470 Parker Avenue in Rodeo (County Service Area (CSA) R-10).
The total project budget is $729,305 with the following funding sources:
• $456,305 in Measure WW fund
• $150,000 in Park Dedication Funds (Approved April 1, 2014)
• $123,000 in Park Dedication Funds (current request)
Planning and design of the improvements have recently been completed and include the following:
- installing seating in the ball field walkway area impacted by tree roots,
- adding a drinking fountain in the ball field concession area,
- installing new barbecues and picnic tables to accommodate large groups of 20-50 people,
- installing a new ground surface in the picnic area so that the area is accessible,
- adding shade trees bordering the picnic area,
- constructing a concession building with extra storage, a restroom and announcer’s stand,
- repairing the entrance area to the ball field;
- restoring/replacing bleachers,
- painting the existing outdoor structures in the ball field area,
- completing infrastructure upgrades to meet County Health Department requirements, and
- installing additional trash cans in the picnic and concession areas.
Construction bids were opened on August 27, 2015. The estimate for the bid was $274,000. Two bids were submitted ($443,469 and $574,069). Based on the lowest bid and accounting for funds already identified and secured, this project needs $123,000 of additional funding. Construction is anticipated to start in September and complete in spring of 2016.
Countywide Landscaping Zone 38, CSA R-10, and Rodeo Baseball Association funds currently finance maintenance costs at Lefty Gomez Park and these funds will continue to be available to maintain the improvements as constructed as part of this project.
On September 14, 2015, the CSA R-10 Citizen’s Advisory Committee was given an update regarding the bid costs and the need for additional Park Dedication Funds to complete the project. It is the policy of the County to use park dedication funds to meet local park needs. This action is consistent with that policy and staff recommends approval of the request for funds. The project will significantly enhance the quality of Lefty Gomez Park and provide improved recreational opportunities for Rodeo residents for many years.
Staff will continue to look for additional funding sources for this project. If successful, staff plans to utilize other funding sources first and thus reduce the amount of Park Dedication funds needed for this project.
CONSEQUENCE OF NEGATIVE ACTION:
Not providing the requested funds could result in the project not being built or a reduced scope of work and delayed timeframe.
CHILDREN'S IMPACT STATEMENT:
The proposed project support the following community outcomes established in the Children's Report Card: Communities that are Safe and Provide a High Quality of Life for Children and Families.