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Barnes Park renovation progressing; $17 million contract, completion date unsettled after delays
Summary
Public works reported progress at Barnes Park, including playground equipment, storm-drain work and a $17 million contract; staff said original contract completion was this fall but final completion is not yet determined because of delays and easement relocation work.
Daniel Padilla, director of public works, told the Baldwin Park City Council on Sept. 17 that Barnes Park construction is progressing and that visible playground equipment and much of the grading and storm-pipe work are in place. "This project was advertised in bid prior to have obtained permits from Caltrans to install the sound walls," Padilla said, noting earlier procedural complications.
Padilla said the council awarded the $17,000,000 contract in February 2024 after a bid protest hearing and that the contractor, Souza, began work in May 2024. Per the notice to proceed, the contractor had 370 working days to complete the project. He listed major remaining items: storm-drain facilities on the north side (now constructible after a water-main relocation), playground equipment installation, fencing, dog-park improvements, plantings, sod, benches, picnic tables, water fountains, sculptures, asphalt paving, a futsal court and perimeter/sound walls.
Padilla described specific delays tied to a San Gabriel Valley Water Company main in Petriti Avenue that required relocation and to small privately owned slivers of land on the park's north side that required redesign. He said the city will need to dedicate an easement to the water company so that the relocated line can reside on city property. When council members asked about a completion date, Padilla said the original contract anticipated October/November of the current year but that "the final completion date, you know, has not been determined" because of delays caused during the project.
Council members asked about playground safety, rubberized surfacing longevity and whether age-specific signage will be posted; Padilla and staff said the surfacing will be rubberized and that the manufacturer and a licensed landscape architect will review the components to meet safety requirements. Staff also said CWE is providing inspection and construction management services.
Council member comments praised public works staff for taking on inherited project errors, and the council closed the session and moved to closed session without taking votes on the project at the Sept. 17 meeting.
