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Council accepts Harvey West Park assessment; directs revenue committee to return with funding options
Summary
Council accepted the Harvey West Park design and program assessment, which proposes turf conversion, additional restrooms, a central promenade and potential gym/pool upgrades with an estimated conceptual cost around $140 million; council directed the ad hoc Budget & Revenue committee to report back within six months with revenue options.
The City Council on Nov. 18 accepted a final design and program assessment for Harvey West Park that lays out a long‑term vision, conceptual schemes and a phased approach for upgrades to fields, circulation, restrooms, play areas and pool/community facilities.
Consultants presented two primary schemes: a “Great Lawn” concept and an alternative featuring a central playground linked to multiple lawns. Common proposals include reorganizing the circulation spine to improve safety and ADA access, converting multiple fields to turf to support year‑round play, expanding restrooms and storage, adding pickleball courts and a pump track, and studying options for a new indoor gym adjacent to the pool that could double as a community resilience hub.
Staff gave a rough order‑of‑magnitude cost estimate of about $140 million to implement the full vision; consultants and council members emphasized that delivery would be phased and rely on a mix of grants, fundraising and public financing. Council member O’Hara moved to accept the assessment, adopt CEQA categorical exemptions listed in the agenda packet, and direct the council’s Budget & Revenue ad hoc committee to present a comprehensive set of funding options (including bond and revenue measures) within six months. Council member Golder seconded; the motion passed by roll call.
Council discussion highlighted equity, opportunities for community fundraising (Friends of Parks & Recreation, sports groups) and the need to explore multiple funding strategies — grant pursuit, capital campaigns and possible bond measures. Staff said several local groups are already exploring multi‑million dollar fundraising efforts targeting specific park components.
Next steps: staff will proceed with project refinement, phasing and outreach; the Budget & Revenue committee will return with funding options within six months.
