Council approves Bellflower events calendar; staff warns of $8 million shortfall on Sims Park stormwater project

The Bellflower City Council on Jan. 12 approved the Department of Parks and Recreation's special-events calendar for 2026–2027 with one change: Earth Day programming for 2026 was moved to April 25 to maximize participation.

Parks and Recreation staff presented the calendar, explaining that tentative dates are highlighted and that new programming this year includes a small Earth Day event at Butterfly Gardens, the Oak Center grand opening (date TBD, targeted for winter), and an expanded holiday program featuring a "Santa's Jolly Trolley" traveling through all five districts. "Approval of this calendar allows staff to move forward with detailed planning, coordination, and contracting necessary to deliver events within the framework of the city council approved budgets," staff said during the presentation.

During discussion of the calendar, council members raised related park priorities and asked for updates on the Sims Park project and proposed soccer fields. Public Works/park staff reported that the Sims Park stormwater capture project's 100% design produced a new construction estimate well above previously allocated funding; staff said the current construction estimate is in the ballpark of $25,000,000, compared with earlier allocations and project assumptions, producing an approximate $8,000,000 shortfall. Staff said they have applied for $4 million through a county process and requested a $4 million project modification from the state-level Safe Clean Water program to close the gap; the council asked staff to pursue timelines and report back.

Councilmember Morse moved to approve the Parks & Recreation special-events calendar with the one date change (motion seconded). The roll-call vote was unanimous in favor. Staff will proceed with planning, subject to the council’s budget and any grant outcomes.