Council approves park contract amendment; staff says phase 1 construction documents at 60% and construction expected early 2026

The City Council on April 21 approved an amendment to the contract for a neighborhood park master plan and phase 1 work, and staff said the project remains in design with construction expected to begin in early 2026.

Council member Fox pulled the consent item to ask for clarification about reported contract amounts and the project scope. Roman Gutierrez, the project manager with Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services, told council that the $5,500,000-plus figure presented in staff materials covers both the master plan and the phase 1 planning, construction documents, permitting and construction administration for phase 1 only.

“That $5,500,000 plus includes the master plan and community engagement for the full site. It also includes the phase 1 plan, construction documents, permitting, and construction administration for just that phase 1,” Gutierrez said. He added the project team is currently at about 60% of construction documents and completed a pre-application conference to identify frontage issues, including utility coordination and frontage design to accommodate a safe bike lane, sidewalk and parking.

When asked about schedule, Gutierrez said the work is a bit behind the RFQ timeline because the team spent extra time on the master plan and additional frontage work with utilities and transportation staff. He estimated the project would be ready to begin construction in early 2026.

Councilor Harless seconded the motion to approve the item; the motion passed by voice vote.

What’s next: staff will proceed with final construction documents, permitting and procurement activities for phase 1 with an anticipated construction start in early 2026, subject to final permit approvals and budget availability.