Escondido council approves $2.36 million contract to build first city splash pad at Grove Park

The Escondido City Council voted 4-0 July 23 to award a $2,356,264 public improvement agreement to Western State Builders Inc. for the construction of the city’s first splash pad at Grove Park and authorized staff to process change orders.

City project manager Ed Vasquez told the council the Grove Park splash pad was selected because existing restrooms there provide access to sewer, water and electrical connections needed for the facility, and noted the community selected the final design through an online vote that drew 2,069 responses. “We are here tonight seeking council approval to award the construction contract,” Vasquez said during his presentation.

The splash pad design includes accessible features, a large automated “sky soaker” element and shaded picnic structures. Staff told the council the parking lot and restrooms at Grove Park will be closed for construction, which is expected to take about six months; portable restrooms will be provided. Playgrounds, walking paths and the basketball court will remain open with limited impacts to adjacent open space.

Why it matters: Grove Park sits within walking distance of several schools, and staff and councilmembers emphasized the project's neighborhood access and expected use by families. The project uses previously approved city capital funds and community input; councilmembers said it provides recreational access for residents who might not otherwise reach pools or beaches.

Key details and timeline - Contract award: Western State Builders Inc., $2,356,264. - Funding history cited by staff: an initial $2,500,000 budget created in January 2024 using FY2023 general fund surplus; an additional $700,000 was noted as allocated in the FY2026 capital improvement budget per the presentation. - Bids received: seven sealed bids submitted in response to the advertised request for proposals. - Community engagement: 2,069 online votes to select the splash pad theme; staff said the winning option is a “playful colors” theme. - Construction window: if approved, work is expected to start in mid-September and continue through March 2026, with a planned grand opening in spring 2026.

Safety, operations and parking Staff said splash pads are treated similarly to pools for approval purposes but do not require lifeguards because they do not pond water: “It is considered similar to a pool... but a lifeguard is not required because there is no ponding water or there is no water with any depth to it,” Vasquez said. Councilmembers and staff said the pad’s water features will be timed and push-button activated to limit misuse.

Public-works staff and the parks team said they are coordinating a parking plan with nearby schools and will encourage walking for nearby residents while the Grove Park lot is closed. Director of Public Works Joe Gilard told the council that Measure I funding will add park-ranger resources for increased patrols: “...we're gonna be adding more additional resources through, park rangers. And so we'll be doing more patrols at all of our parks, and more importantly at Grove Park.”

Communications Assistant Director of Communications Teresa Collins said on-site signage and the project web page will be in English and Spanish and that renderings will be posted on the city website. A QR code will link to project updates.

Council discussion and vote Councilmembers expressed support for the location's walkability and the community-driven design. Deputy Mayor Gonzalo Martinez moved the motion to approve; Councilmember Joe Garcia seconded. The vote was 4-0 in favor (Councilmember Fitzgerald — present, Councilmember Christian Garcia — yes, Councilmember Joe Garcia — yes, Deputy Mayor Gonzalo Martinez — yes). Mayor Rebecca White Ding was absent.

Implementation notes and impacts The project will require temporary closure of the Grove Park parking lot and restroom access for staging and connections to existing sewer and storm drain lines. Staff said portable restrooms will be placed and serviced regularly during construction. The presentation listed bid alternates that are included in the construction contract; the purple-dotted shade elements shown in the presentation are included in the current contract and the same construction timeframe.

Public comment No public comments were received on the item during the meeting.

Next steps Staff will finalize contract documents and begin construction mobilization if permitting and contractor scheduling proceed as expected. Staff said operational hours, temperature thresholds and other operating details have not yet been defined and will be brought back to the city manager and distributed to council when set.