Commission approves concept design for Heron's Head Park expansion funded by Prop A bond

The Port Commission approved the concept design for Heron—s Head Park expansion and entrance improvements, a project funded through the 2008 Proposition A Clean and Safe Neighborhood Parks general obligation bond.

David Beaupre of the Port—s Planning and Development unit presented the concept: an extension of the existing 24-acre park at the southern waterfront with a central meadow, family play area, consolidated shipping-container storage for education programming, a permanent restroom to replace temporary facilities, bike parking and a bus drop-off area, an off-leash dog run, and areas set aside for community gardens and public art. The presentation noted stormwater-management swales consistent with the Port—s stormwater guidelines and proposed a planting palette to knit the new space to the existing park.

Beaupre estimated the concept-design-to-bid detailed design work would take 3 months and that construction bidding could follow late this year or in spring 2011, with an estimated construction cost of approximately $1,500,000 funded from Proposition A bond proceeds. Community speakers praised the plan and urged attention to bike parking and circulation for large events; Port staff said the design provides 26 parking spaces and additional overflow areas while noting a Bay Conservation and Development Commission permit requirement of 15 spaces.

Commissioners approved the concept plan by voice vote. Next steps include directing the Department of Public Works landscape architects to complete detailed designs, refine cost estimates, and prepare construction bid documents before returning for contract award and construction scheduling.