Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Parks And Rec topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Vista council asks staff to return with rehab and programming options for Lewis Duran Park community center; $1 million set aside under review
Summary
Council directed staff to evaluate rehabilitation and programming options for the Lewis Duran Park community center after Council member Contreras proposed using up to $500,000 of an existing $1 million allocation for immediate repairs and five years of programming; staff said they have sufficient guidance to prepare cost estimates and recommendations.
Council member Corina Contreras opened discussion on the Lewis Duran Park Community Center, reminding the council that the city had previously set aside $1,000,000 from surplus funds for the site. Contreras asked staff to look at using up to $500,000 for rehabilitation and to program the remaining funds at roughly $100,000 per year for five years to support community services and after‑school programs.
Council members expressed support for getting a detailed cost and programming analysis. Council member Melendez said a remodel might exceed the $1,000,000 allocation and recommended staff present a range of refurbishment options and realistic programming cost estimates. Deputy Mayor O'Donnell and Council member Fox emphasized caution about depleting the set‑aside funds if rehabilitation costs push the project near a full rebuild, which staff estimated could cost $3–4 million and take 18–24 months if fully funded.
Staff told the council the building is awkward in layout but has potential for immediate, modest upgrades (kitchen refresh, roofing, bathroom improvements) that could enable community use while staff develops longer‑term designs. Contreras said she favored a bilingual engagement process to collect community input on amenities and programming. City Manager John Connolly stated he had "sufficient guidance" to have staff return with an assessment.
Next steps: staff will prepare cost estimates, programming options and timelines for council consideration, including potential grant opportunities and needed matching funds if council wants to pursue a ground‑up rebuild.
