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Capitola council approves bids and construction plan for Treasure Cove inclusive playground and restroom renovations
Summary
Council authorized bidding for the Treasure Cove inclusive playground, restroom renovation and community center patio improvements and directed staff to return in August with final funding agreements; the projects carry a current $3.1 million funding shortfall if a pending CDBG award is not received.
The Capitola City Council on June 26 authorized staff to finalize construction documents and put three bid packages out for a planned inclusive playground (Treasure Cove), a major restroom renovation and community‑center patio improvements at the Jade Street (Treasure Cove) site, with staff returning to the council in August with final funding contracts and any construction awards.
City staff said the combined site projects have an estimated construction cost of about $10.7 million. The city currently shows roughly $1.8 million of general‑fund dollars for the community center, a $1.0 million CNRA grant, and a pending $3.2 million Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) that would fund a large portion of the playground and restroom work; the playground effort has already attracted more than $965,000 in community fundraising, exceeding the initial $850,000 target.
Public works staff cautioned that without the pending CDBG award the city would face an approximate $3.1 million shortfall for the site work. Staff said the projects are designed so that, if the CDBG award does not arrive, elements can be scaled back, rebid or delayed; the playground would be the most likely candidate to be re‑scoped and rebid in a future construction season. Public works explained that advertising and bidding the patio work now would not obligate the city to award construction contracts until funding is fully secured.
Why it matters: Treasure Cove is planned as a fully accessible playground and connective park improvements intended to serve children of all abilities. The city and the community fundraising group worked with Verdi Design, Inc. and Verdi Construction (project consultants) and Blue & Low Ratcliffe Architects on plans that include a fully fenced, universal‑access play area, an accessible concrete path from parking, two single‑user ADA‑compliant restrooms with adult changing tables, and tiered seating and patios outside the community center.
Friends of the County Parks and other donors have already contributed significant private funds. Dan Hafely, a volunteer with the Friends of Santa Cruz County Parks, told the council the campaign raised $1,125,000 and urged the city to proceed; Heidi Kellison of First 5 Santa Cruz County said the program funds support early childhood needs and endorsed the project.
Council discussed sequencing, contractor selection, and local hiring; a union representative in public comment urged requiring prevailing wages and apprenticeship participation for contractors on capital projects. Council also inserted a cautionary fiscal note during the budget vote earlier in the evening: the council amended a related budget action to withhold $150,000 of council‑directed seed money until the city has a signed grant agreement, though staff noted a $60,000 pavement contract allocation in that amount was ready to proceed.
The council adopted the staff recommendation unanimously and directed staff to return on Aug. 28 with funding contract approvals and recommended construction awards if the city’s CDBG award is finalized.
