The Piedmont City Council voted unanimously Aug. 4 to award a consulting services agreement to WRT Design not to exceed $100,000 to prepare a sustainable park management plan. Nancy Kent, the city’s parks and project manager, said the funds were allocated in FY2024–25 and the project has been discussed with the Park Commission since March 2024.
The plan is intended to guide long-term maintenance, address climate-driven horticultural challenges and recommend management practices to balance ecology and public uses. WRT’s proposal includes urban forestry expertise and public outreach, including pop-ups at community events and meetings with the Park Commission.
WRT principal John Gibbs said the firm will focus on park management and maintenance—planting strategies, urban-forest succession and erosion control—rather than redoing park uses. Gibbs and staff emphasized stakeholder engagement through pop-ups, online surveys and Parks Commission working sessions.
Residents at public comment urged clarity on whether the asphalt area under the Linda Beach bridge (part of the park property) will be handled within the plan or treated as a separate, fast-tracked capital project. Several commenters recommended regular monthly updates to the Park Commission and said the plan should balance ecosystem preservation with continuing public access and uses.
Council members asked staff to clarify scope. Kent confirmed the area under the bridge is part of Linda Beach Park and therefore within the park system; she and WRT said they will incorporate findings and report regularly to the Park Commission and City Council. The council approved the contract on the motion of Vice Mayor Connor McCarthy, seconded by Council Member Ramsey; the vote was unanimous.