Council approves plans for $4.95 million teen center, plaza and skate-park renovation; files staffing report and selects Matrix for citywide assessment

El Segundo City Council on Oct. 21 approved plans for a multicomponent renovation of the teen center, plaza and skate park and directed staff to send the project out to bid.

Recreation, Parks and Library Director Ali Mancini presented the project to council. The plan would refresh the plaza multiuse court, update the skate park and renovate the teen center; the project is projected to cost $4,950,000, with work beginning in May 2026 and anticipated completion in June 2027.

Mancini also presented a consulting report from Baker Tilly on the Recreation and Park Department's organization and staffing. The Baker Tilly report recommended creating three new staff positions and implementing communications and efficiency improvements. Council advised that the Baker Tilly report be included in a forthcoming larger analysis of city staffing and filed the report.

Community Development Director Michael Allen reported that an evaluation process selected Matrix Consulting Group as the best fit for a citywide staffing assessment. Council approved the addition of a fleet utilization assessment to the scope, but instructed staff that the preferred option was for Matrix to perform the assessment and for the city not to accept Matrix-led implementation work as part of this contract.

No vote tallies were provided in the meeting summary for these items; council actions were recorded as approvals and filing of the report.