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Soledad council approves preferred concept for Toledo Basin Park; plan seeks grant funding
Summary
Council adopted a preferred concept plan for the 3.8‑acre Toledo Basin Park that embraces the site’s basin topography for terraces, an amphitheater, youth study plaza and native garden; approval establishes a design blueprint so staff can pursue grant funding but does not authorize construction.
The Soledad City Council on Jan. 14 unanimously approved a preferred concept plan for Toledo Basin Park that embraces the site’s existing basin topography to create terraces, an amphitheater, multigenerational play areas and stormwater treatment features.
Parks and Recreation Director Jessica Potts introduced the plan and said it is ‘‘not approval of construction or funding, but more of the preferred concept plan’’ meant to guide grant applications and phasing. Nicole Limesand of BFS Landscape Architects said the 3.8‑acre site at Toledo Street and Gavilan Drive has about 25 feet of elevation change; rather than filling the basin — a cost‑prohibitive option — the plan uses terraces and planting to buffer wind and sound and provide diverse spaces.
Why it matters: the plan includes family play areas clustered for multi‑age use, a smaller amphitheater sited to minimize impacts on nearby housing, a youth plaza with study areas and Wi‑Fi‑enabled seating, native botanical planting and low‑impact development to treat stormwater. Staff reported targeted outreach that included 80+ in‑person attendees and 103 online survey responses; the design combines community priorities for shade, safety, and inclusive play.
Council discussion focused on outreach, timeline and funding. Several council members urged broader community engagement and cautioned that the preferred plan is contingent on securing grants and other financing. Potts said the action formally establishes the community‑endorsed vision and allows staff to pursue grant funding; she listed potential funding cycles opening in coming months.
The council approved resolution number 6,320 adopting the preferred concept. Staff said next steps include pursuing grants, considering phased construction aligned with nearby housing development plans, and further community outreach to refine amenities before returning with project‑level funding requests.
