Stockton parks manager outlines Pixie Woods reopening, Columbus Park renovation timeline and spring projects

Colin Scott, parks manager for the City of Stockton, told the Parks & Recreation Commission on March 27 that the department is shifting to a summer maintenance schedule and advancing several capital and maintenance projects, including work at Pixie Woods and a grant-funded Columbus Park renovation expected to finish in mid-2025.

The report summarized why the items matter to residents: the department is preparing parks for the busy season, completing several playground refurbishments and using council-allocated funds and outside grants to repair or replace equipment and infrastructure across the city.

Scott said the parks department will move to a summer schedule in April with weekly mowing and daily trash service; the offseason schedule reduces mowing to twice a month and trash pickup to four days a week. Ongoing wet weather has slowed the tree-removal crew’s work after recent storms.

Bench and memorial work noted in the report included a completed bench dedication for Alicia Renaga; the associated tree will be planted later in spring. A bench for Lillian May Smith is expected to be celebrated on May 12, Scott said. Brotherhood Playground has completed refurbishment; new playgrounds at Brooklyn, Pinellas, Sandman and Weber parks are in the request-for-proposal stage and proposals will be evaluated in the coming months.

Scott said work funded by council includes replacement fencing at the Van Buskirk playground, expected to be finished in April, and repairs for Oak Park Little League fencing and dugout coverings, plumbing repairs and tree trimming that had been completed. He reported the facilities maintenance group is working on a Pixie Woods bridal/refurbishment project expected to be complete before opening day.

On larger projects, Scott said the city has met with the architect for the Columbus Park renovation after receiving a grant. He estimated design would take about a year followed by about a year of construction, projecting a wrap-up in June 2025. The department also continues work on the playground surfacing grant at Van Buskirk Community Center.

Other items: the department expects to receive the controller for the Scribe Ballfield lighting project in April; staff are preparing a contract and reviewing plans for an automated irrigation system at Pixie Woods; phases 1 and 2 of Pixie Woods tree trimming are complete. A consultant assessment on Sousa pool crack repairs has been received and staff are following up with the consultant. Leaks at the Van Buskirk basketball gym have delayed installation of a new floor. Bids for the Weber Point shade structure were received and staff will provide updates next month. For Pixie Woods, Scott said the city has ordered carousel parts and is working with a vendor on train-track repairs; the department will evaluate remaining funding for dredging after those two items are addressed.

Scott also reported ongoing tree-planting activities tied to climate and urban forestry grants: approximately 25 volunteers planted trees and bushes at Suiza Park on March 4; the department plans a volunteer event at Caldwell Park on May 13 that may include tree planting and a pollinator garden. The department will plant 200 trees at Victory Park and Pinellas Park through an urban salvaged-and-reclaimed wood grant, Scott said.

"Please let me know if you have any questions," Scott said at the conclusion of his report.

Colin Scott, parks manager, answered follow-up questions from commissioners about opening dates and project timelines and said staff will bring further updates to future meetings.