Oroville staff outline phased Bedrock Park renovation; work paused pending cost estimate

Tim Caber, project manager for the City of Oroville, briefed the Park Commission on Jan. 14 about a planned, phased renovation of Bedrock Park that will start with infrastructure and lower-area improvements and pause after a design-phase cost estimate so the city can seek funding.

The briefing matters because the project addresses safety, accessibility and long-standing complaints about lighting, brush and river access at a popular riverside site. Caber said the schedule and final scope depend on a forthcoming engineer—s estimate and outside approvals tied to river work.

Caber described the project as two phases. Phase 1 focuses on the lower area and immediate site infrastructure: a new irrigation system, renovated turf, tree replacement or trimming for shade, code-compliant stairs from the street and river path, repair or demolition of a burned building with a possible conversion to a rental kiosk for flotation devices, repair of the top rock wall and installation of a guardrail where none exists, solar security lighting in parking areas and island brush cleanup. Caber said, "This is informational brief only." He added the project will coordinate with the Feather River Parks District on levee lighting.

Phase 2 would follow after phase 1 funding is secured and includes trail-surface and accessibility upgrades, enhanced vegetation near the lagoon, lagoon cleanup and potential dredging, new picnic sites with shade, a new restroom in the lower area (likely requiring a lift station because the site is below the existing sewer line) and a playground on the upper level. Caber said renderings and an engineer—s estimate are deliverables within the design work and that the estimate will be the point at which the city pauses to present cost information to the City Council.

On timing, Caber said tasks 1'1 (project launch, site analysis, topographic survey and program/cost analysis) will take about four months; task 4 (50% design for phase 1) and subsequent construction documents and bid support add several more months. He said he is "working with MDG," the firm that designed Hewitt Park, and is targeting a staff report to City Council in February with an award to MDG in February or March 2025, after which the schedule depends on funding and permitting.

Commissioners raised operational and public-safety concerns cited in the briefing: the park—s current fences have come down, lighting has been removed after theft of wiring, and the city is coordinating with the Oroville Police Department to increase patrols. Caber confirmed solar lighting is part of the approach and that any work touching the river will require consultation with California Department of Fish and Wildlife and other regulators; he said construction timing will depend on fish migration and spawning windows.

Commissioners urged public outreach and suggested tying playground features to the river and lagoon to attract families. Caber said MDG will supply renderings at the end of the design task so commissioners and the public can review options prior to approving construction documents.

The presentation was informational only; no formal action or vote on project authorization or funding occurred during the Jan. 14 meeting. Caber said he will bring design deliverables and the engineer—s estimate to the commission and City Council for future decisions.