Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Space Design topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council directs staff to pursue 'Plan 2A' for Friendship Plaza using available CDBG‑CV funds
Summary
Staff presented two concepts to spend about $400,000 in remaining CDBG‑CV funds at Friendship Plaza; after discussion of connectivity with Pirate Park and accessibility the council gave consensus direction to proceed with Plan 2A (event lawn) and asked staff to incorporate council comments into final design.
City staff presented two conceptual designs for a reimagined Friendship Plaza on Jan. 12 and asked council for direction on spending approximately $400,000 of remaining CDBG‑CV funds before the fund deadline.
Staff described Plan 2A (an event lawn) and Plan 2B (a "Pebble Pocket Park" with fixed pebble seating) and showed conceptual images that include shade canopies, wood-plank look pavers tying the plaza to Pirate Park, and preserved donor plaques. Staff noted the scope is limited to the Friendship Plaza footprint and does not include Pirate Park due to CDBG-CV restrictions. "We have just over $400,000 in remaining CDBG CV funds, which need to be spent by November 2026," staff said; the two design alternatives were estimated to fit within that funding envelope.
Council discussed the relative merits for everyday activation and programming, the condition of adjacent Pirate Park, possible additional funding sources for Pirate Park improvements (including park fees or competitive grants), and design elements that discourage overnight camping or skateboard misuse. After discussion the council expressed consensus in favor of Plan 2A (event lawn) and directed staff to refine the design with the comments received and prepare construction drawings and specifications for bidding.
