Oxnard City Council approves $2.76M for Beautification and Cleanup Project with CS Legacy Construction

During a recent Oxnard City Council meeting, significant discussions centered around the approval of a public project agreement with CS Legacy Construction Inc. for the Oxnard Beautification and Cleanup Project. This initiative, aimed at transforming local parks into more sustainable landscapes, is part of a broader effort to enhance community spaces while addressing environmental concerns.

The council is set to approve a total of $2,765,624.79 in project funds, which includes a contract of $2,506,996.79 with CS Legacy Construction. Additionally, a contingency amount of $129,314 is allocated for project management and engineering inspections. The funding sources for this project are diverse, including allocations from the American Rescue Plan and various grant programs, highlighting the city's commitment to leveraging multiple financial avenues for community improvement.

The project will focus on five parks: Camino del Sol Community Gardens, Del Sol Park, Lemonwood Park, Rudolph Beck Memorial Park, and South Winds Park. These locations were selected due to the disadvantaged status of their surrounding neighborhoods, aligning with grant requirements and the potential for impactful transformation. The plan involves removing existing turf and replacing it with drought-tolerant plants, which will significantly reduce water usage and maintenance costs. The Parks and Recreation Master Plan estimates that converting 30% of Oxnard's turf areas could save the city approximately $500,000 annually.

Community involvement has been a cornerstone of this project. The city has engaged local schools and organizations, including the Merito Foundation and the Bridal nonprofit, to ensure that the project reflects the needs and desires of residents. Students have contributed to plant selection, focusing on creating environments that attract birds and butterflies, while volunteers have participated in cleanup events to foster community spirit and ownership.

The project also aims to enhance educational opportunities, as three of the parks are adjacent to schools, potentially serving as outdoor classrooms. The improvements will include new irrigation systems, ADA-compliant facilities, and interpretive signage to educate visitors about the new landscapes.

As the city moves forward with this initiative, it represents not only a commitment to beautification but also a strategic approach to sustainability and community engagement. The council's approval of the project is anticipated to pave the way for further enhancements in Oxnard's public spaces, setting a precedent for future environmental initiatives.