County bond team reports accelerated park timelines, new procurements and community feedback for Escarte Park
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Summary
County bond, procurement and public works staff reported progress on bond-funded parks and facilities — including Escarte Park community input, faster construction timelines for several parks and planned solicitations for an administrative building and the animal shelter.
County bond performance staff and public works managers told the court that several voter-approved Go Bond projects are moving ahead faster than originally planned and that procurement improvements are shortening delivery timelines.
Christian Martinez, county administration, said the budget office will bring an amendment on Jan. 26 to reallocate funding to accelerate three park projects (Reisinger, Aguadulce and Westway) and that staff is preparing a second bond issuance later this year to ensure cash flow.
Karen Davidson, county purchasing agent, described upcoming procurement steps: the Scarate Park administrative building is advertised with a pre-proposal meeting set for Feb. 10 and a proposal deadline in March; the animal shelter CMAR (construction manager at risk) contract is in final negotiation with solicitation activity expected in February and awards targeted for spring and summer 2026. She said bundling park furniture and playground items is expected to save money.
Public works reported public engagement results for Escarte Park: surveys and the first community meeting emphasized the lake (fishing, access and shoreline improvements), shaded seating, picnic areas and lighting. "The top answer was fishing," the consultant summary said, and staff plans a second community meeting with conceptual designs in early March.
Legal and procurement officials said use of standard draft contracts and industry templates (AIA, EJCDC) reduced negotiation time and helped bring contract award and agreements onto the same agenda to shorten start-to-construction timelines.
Next steps: staff will present the Jan. 26 budget amendment and related contract authorizations so construction awards and groundbreakings can proceed; the communications team will continue outreach and community meetings for parks and the animal shelter.