The Oroville City Council on Oct. 7 approved a motion to advance the Bedrock Park conceptual master plan to the design-development phase, with the consultant and staff to prepare construction documents for phase 1.

Tim (city staff) introduced the Mountain Design Group team and said the project is being planned in two phases: a phase 1 focused on essential, safety- and access-related work and a larger, phased phase 2 that carries the more ambitious riverfront enhancements.

“Phase 1: new irrigation system, renovated turf in the lower area, some shade trees, code-compliant stairs and railing, a kayak rental kiosk in place of the burned restroom, rock wall repair, solar security lighting and brush cleanup on the island,” Tim said. He described phase 1 as the portion the city intends to make construction-ready and said MDG will prepare full construction documents if the council directed staff to proceed.

Aubrey (MDG) presented the conceptual master plan for the full site, describing accessible boat launch ideas, a possible kayak rental and staging area, a small play area, defined turf, shaded picnic areas and potential low-impact “wave” features in the lagoon for kayak activity. She emphasized the need for environmental review and coordination with fisheries specialists before any work in the lagoon.

A council member asked about cost and earlier expenditures. Aubrey and Tim said the city has spent roughly $103,000 on planning work to date and that a staff/consultant estimate for phase 1 is roughly $1.139 million (design plus construction estimate). Tim clarified that the estimate is a rough, conceptual figure and that the city would pursue grants for larger phase 2 elements.

Council discussion emphasized two themes: (1) protect the river and coordinate with levee work and federal partners — the Army Corps reviewed levee conditions and may recommend work near the park — and (2) plan for operations and security. One councilmember suggested consulting police and code enforcement before finalizing design details to ensure the park can be maintained and policed effectively.

A motion to authorize the consultant to continue into design development and to accept the master plan as the conceptual basis passed on a roll call vote; the clerk recorded the motion as passed (5 yes votes).

Staff said phase 1 documents would be prepared to allow the city to seek construction funding and grants; phase 2 remains a grant-dependent, longer-term vision.