Board approves $1.37 million in immediate spending for nine county parks, plans multi-year upgrades

The San Joaquin County Board of Supervisors voted to approve immediate spending to secure and upgrade county parks, agreeing to increase appropriations this fiscal year for repairs, fencing, security patrols and other improvements.

The board approved a request from General Services to increase appropriations by $1,304,554 in the 2024-25 parks and recreation budget and $66,500 for the Mickey Grove Zoo fund, drawing on a newly created Parks Capital Outlay Fund and a Mickey Grove Zoo Capital Outlay Fund. The motion to approve the consent package that contained those items passed 5-0.

General Services Assistant Director Connie Hart told the board the county created two capital funds in mid-January and transferred $10 million into them — $9 million for parks capital outlay and $1 million for the zoo. Hart said staff identified 11 community parks, and nine “most challenged” parks will be the primary focus for security work this fiscal year. The immediate plan includes full fencing, additional lighting and overnight security patrols at an estimated cost of about $1,250,000, she said.

“We plan to fully fence these parks, provide additional lighting for security purposes, and to provide security patrols to lock and unlock and provide eyes on the parks overnight,” Hart said.

Hart said the county also plans to install additional “smart” self-cleaning restrooms in the 2025-26 budget year and will use about $3.75 million already appropriated for three units; the new funds would allow the county to acquire the remaining six. Hart estimated roughly $7.7 million of the $10 million target would be spent on the nine community parks across this fiscal year and the next, with other funds used for zoo site surveys, equipment and regional park improvements.

Director Dan Wertz told supervisors the county would also fund a master plan next year for the entire parks and zoo system “so we are all on the same page to cover the next 10 years.” Supervisor Steve Ding asked whether the master planning work could be accelerated; Hart said staff could begin initial work with internal funds and return if additional appropriation is needed.

Supervisors emphasized both maintenance work and longer-term amenities. Supervisor Gardia said community parks have been neglected and asked staff to consider upgrades such as water features and skate facilities to serve underserved neighborhoods. Supervisor Rickman and others said accelerating projects now could save money in the long run.

The board approved the appropriation increases as presented and directed staff to proceed. General Services said it will partner with the sheriff’s office and community groups to coordinate security patrols and community garden planning once parks are secured and irrigation upgraded.

The county plans additional budget-year items including a van for the zoo education program, a site survey for a proposed primate exhibit and equipment purchases for park maintenance. Hart said project timelines and any further appropriation requests would come back to the board as staff scope and contractor timelines are firmed.