The Regular City Council Meeting for the City of Lincoln, California, held on March 26, 2024, focused on several key agenda items, including the approval of a parklet pilot program and the Bella Breeze Community Park master plan.

The meeting commenced with a discussion on parking issues that have been a recurring theme over the past 18 months. Acknowledging the efforts of the Economic Development Committee (EDC), council members noted that their comprehensive evaluation of parking solutions has shifted the focus from minor space losses to broader community needs.

Following this, the council voted unanimously to adopt Resolution 2024-057, which approves a one-year parklet pilot program. This initiative allows downtown businesses to extend their operations onto the street, promoting outdoor dining and community engagement.

Next on the agenda was the Bella Breeze Community Park master plan, presented by Araceli Casares, the engineering manager. Casares highlighted the extensive community outreach conducted since September 2023, which included surveys and workshops that gathered input from over a thousand residents. The feedback indicated a strong desire for amenities such as playgrounds, picnic areas, and sports fields.

Dalton Lavoie from Stantec, the consulting firm involved in the project, detailed the preferred concept for the park, which incorporates the top amenities identified by the community. The plan includes a central field for various sports, shaded playgrounds, and a perimeter loop trail. Notably, the design also addresses the need for teen-focused areas and increased parking to alleviate pressure on neighborhood streets.

The council discussed the phased implementation of the park, with Phase 1 estimated to cost around $6 million. This phase will focus on developing approximately 7.5 acres of the park, including essential amenities like restrooms and shaded play areas, while leaving the back portion of the site undeveloped for future phases.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the council's commitment to enhancing community spaces through thoughtful planning and active resident participation. The next steps involve finalizing the master plan and moving forward with the initial phase of park development, ensuring that the community's needs and preferences are prioritized.