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Calistoga approves Logvie Park improvements contract after debate over bocce courts
Summary
The council voted 4–1 on July 30 to award a negotiated contract (no bids received) for Logvie Park improvements, a roughly $626,000 project partly covered by two reimbursable grants; debate focused on whether two $100,000 bocce courts are the best use of funds versus alternatives such as exercise equipment or pickleball.
The Calistoga City Council approved a staff recommendation to award a negotiated construction contract for the Logvie (Logbee) Park improvement project after staff reported no competitive bids were received and the city pursued a negotiated agreement under California Public Contract Code 22038.
Staff said the recommended contract amount is not to exceed $626,000. Two reimbursable grants — described in the staff presentation as $178,000 and $150,000 — will reduce the city’s net cost to under $300,000, with specific grant uses (the TDA3 grant was identified for the pathway and lighting). Project elements include a concrete pathway tied to a planned South Oak Street bridge, a new play structure, two bocce courts, picnic areas and ADA‑accessible hardscaping.
During public comment, residents and community advocates expressed support for the park overall but suggested alternatives to two expensive bocce courts: exercise bars, a single bocce court instead of two, or relocating some amenities to the fairgrounds. Adelante Family Centers’ program director, Indira Lopez Jones, urged the council to finish the long‑standing project, noting parents and volunteers had advanced the plan since 2016 and that the project addresses a shortage of family recreation space.
Council members weighed continuing momentum against usage concerns. Council member Eisenberg questioned the high cost allocated to bocce courts and proposed approving the project but returning with an alternative plan or a single bocce court plus exercise equipment. Staff cautioned that design changes could require a change order and rework of contractor documents and that a short delay might risk losing the contractor’s availability or delaying construction into winter.
After discussion, Council member Giff moved to proceed with the contract as presented; the motion passed on a roll‑call vote 4–1 (Mayor Williams voted no). Councilmembers asked staff to monitor grant reimbursements and to bring cost/usage options forward if practical without jeopardizing current bids and the construction schedule.
