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Laguna Woods approves $446,700 construction contract to fix Woods End trail drainage and improve trailhead
Summary
The city awarded a construction contract to Milston Enterprises and approved a budget increase to complete trail drainage, add monument signage, plant coastal oaks and improve access at Woods End Wilderness Preserve; work expected to begin in November with a roughly 75‑working‑day schedule.
The Laguna Woods City Council on Oct. 15 approved construction of trail drainage and entry improvements at Woods End Wilderness Preserve, awarding the contract to Milston Enterprises and adding $330,607 in general fund support to complete the project.
City staff described recurring erosion and stormwater runoff from the park that regularly deposits silt and red dirt onto the sidewalk and adjacent street. The 10.6‑acre Woods End property, owned by the city and leased to Orange County Parks for inclusion in the Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, has seen little capital investment since 2011, staff said. The approved scope focuses on grading and trail drainage dips, a low decorative concrete monument wall with uplighting, a split‑rail cedar fence, relocation of the pedestrian gate to align with on‑street parking, native plant restoration and the planting of coastal oak trees to replace two existing western sycamores.
Milston Enterprises submitted the lowest of three informal bids at $446,694.60; council authorized change orders up to 15% ($67,004.19) for construction contingencies and approved the revised project budget of about $690,000. Staff said approximately 38% of the total cost will be funded from state and federal grants, including park bond funds and American Rescue Plan Act money; the balance will come from the general fund, which requires the council’s appropriation.
Work is tentatively scheduled to begin in November with an expected 75 working days to completion; staff said the timeline could extend if work is delayed by adverse weather. During construction the county will close the park entry from the trailhead and the city will close sidewalk parking adjacent to the site as necessary. City contracts will include language to preserve emergency access for OCFA and allow continuing access to a neighboring water district lift station. The council approved the plan and contract unanimously.
Public commenters welcomed the work and suggested interpretive signage or a QR code at the monument; staff said OC Parks will install interior interpretive signage and the city will post notices and use electronic message boards about closures and timing. The city also noted it will coordinate communications about trail closures and parking impacts and will be sensitive to bicyclists when temporary lane shifts are required for construction.
