Wasco approves $550,000 in Measure X funds for play structures, pool fencing

The Wasco City Council on Feb. 18 approved a resolution to provide $550,000 in Measure X funds to the Wasco Recreation and Parks District for two replacement playground structures and replacement pool fencing at Barker and Westside parks.

City staff explained the funds are included in the city's 2024–25 Capital Improvement Program and will be paid on a reimbursement basis: the district will submit invoices and proof of payment, and the city's finance department will issue reimbursements. "The 2024–25 city CIP budget includes $550,000 of Measure X funding for various improvements in Barker and Westside Parks," said Miss Cobb, a city staff member who presented the request. She told the council the district and city had toured park facilities and identified these three items as top priorities.

Council members asked whether the planned work would prevent a previously discussed dog park at Westside and whether the skate park fence would be replaced. Staff said the dog park would not be prevented by the new equipment, but it would require separate budgeting. Staff also said the skate park fence was removed and, after checking with the district's insurance, replacement was not necessary.

Council Member Medina moved to adopt the resolution; Council Member Reina seconded. The motion passed on a 4-0 roll-call vote with Mayor Pro Tem Saldana absent. Staff indicated the district aims to complete the playground and fencing work before summer and that the $550,000 may represent accumulated appropriations from prior years within the CIP.

The staff report listed the item as not a project under section 15378 of the CEQA guidelines.