Commission hears parks projects update; staff reports graffiti, utility-box art and construction timelines

Parks operations staff reported progress and issues on capital projects and maintenance at the Jan. 14 Recreation and Parks Commission meeting.

Battles Road multi-use path construction and landscaping were described as nearing completion, with remaining artwork and shade structures still to be installed. Staff said the Japanese Community Center project is facing delays but remains a near-term priority. Field preparation at Hagerman Sports Complex is underway with staff working to complete work before scheduled tryouts; Ventura Field is still being seeded.

Staff also described a city utility-box mural program: 13 of 15 boxes have been painted and crews are adding protective sealant; two boxes remain in progress. Commissioners and staff reported multiple instances of rapid re-vandalism: several boxes were graffitied within days and one box had been etched with a blade. Staff advised that highly visible locations such as Broadway are particularly susceptible and noted response limitations when properties lie under Caltrans jurisdiction.

For resident reporting staff provided an email address: rpinfo@cityofsantamaria.org and noted neighborhood-connect online reporting as additional channels. Staff said graffiti abatement is tracked through code compliance when private property is involved; public-property incidents may be removed rapidly if flagged as urgent by police or staff.

No formal actions were taken. Staff said they will continue to monitor vandalism, re-seal murals and follow up on capital project timelines.