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Hollywood Park EDC discusses entrance beautification; fire department offers volunteer support
Summary
The Hollywood Park EDC discussed plans to refresh multiple town entrances, with the fire department offering volunteer labor and an initial materials estimate of about $2,000 for work at the fire-station corner.
The Hollywood Park Economic Development Corporation discussed a proposal to beautify the town’s entrances, including the area around the fire station on Mecca and the entrances along Highway 281. Interim Fire Chief Eric Burnside told the board fire department personnel and the firefighters association were prepared to perform labor while the EDC or association would cover materials. “It was mainly just material. So we were looking at about $2,000,” Burnside said, describing an initial, material-only estimate for the fire-station corner.
Members weighed lower-maintenance options such as hardscaping, terracing and decorative metalwork against plantings and sprinkler systems, which require ongoing maintenance. One board member said permanent, lower-maintenance features might deliver more long-term value than sprinkler-dependent plantings. Board discussion identified three candidate locations: the Mecca/fire-station corner, both 281 entrances and the Voigt Center.
Why it matters: entrance treatments shape visitors’ and residents’ first impressions and can influence perceptions of the town’s upkeep and brand. Several members cited prior projects and cautioned that plant costs and ongoing irrigation maintenance can be substantial. A board member with landscaping experience said modest plant-and-rock plans typically run $2,000–$4,000 per site from a moderate-size commercial contractor; he noted 5-gallon pots can cost roughly $30 each.
Decision and next steps: the board voted to table the item and requested that staff and the fire department prepare photos and written proposals or quotes for review at a later meeting. Members noted that the EDC can add or amend its budget later if it decides to fund a project; the current approved budget contains line items for strategic marketing and prior landscaping expenditures that might be reallocated.
Supporting detail: Chief Burnside said the firefighters association had suggested addressing washout and planting grass or river rock near the station and that public works could maintain any turf by mowing. Several members asked staff to gather photos and contractor quotes so the board could compare options and estimated costs before deciding to fund materials or install more permanent hardscape.
No formal contract or purchase order was approved at the meeting; the item was tabled pending the requested proposals and cost estimates.
