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Veterans Memorial Park moves toward construction; council bid award tentatively set for Jan. 13, 2026
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Summary
Staff told the commission that the Veterans Memorial Park master plan and public art were approved in October and the project is out to bid; Faraday Avenue improvements are being bid with the park to address traffic and parking needs, and the city expects to seek council authorization to award in January 2026.
City park staff updated the Parks and Recreation Commission Nov. 17 on progress toward construction of the Veterans Memorial Park master plan and related traffic improvements.
Park Services Manager Todd Reese reviewed the master plan, explaining the site will include terraces, several playgrounds, a family-friendly bike park, public art, a Memorial Plaza and a small stage for ceremonies. Reese said the council approved the public art piece on Oct. 7, adopted the project plan and contract documents on Oct. 21, and the project is currently out for bid.
Traffic and access: Director Lancaster told commissioners the city has traffic studies from the planning phase and that the construction work for the park is being bid together with Faraday Avenue improvements to address access and safety. "The traffic calming measures will include additional striping for enhanced bike lane protection and also two left-turn pockets, leading off of Faraday Avenue directly into the north and south parking lots respectively for the park," Lancaster said. Lancaster added that the city's traffic engineer indicated additional modifications could be designed and implemented after monitoring the park once it opens.
Schedule: Reese said staff tentatively plans to return to City Council on Jan. 13, 2026 to request authorization to award a construction contract; if the council docket proves too full, the item could be moved to Jan. 27.
Next steps: staff will complete contract documents, answer bidder questions and, after council authorization, proceed to construction procurement. Commissioners asked about traffic impacts and monitoring; staff said the combined bid and included Faraday improvements are intended to provide initial mitigation and that post-opening monitoring could prompt additional modifications.
