La Verne council approves $274,001.20 contract for Parks & Recreation Master Plan update

The La Verne City Council voted 5-0 on Nov. 18 to authorize a professional services agreement with KTUA to update the city's Parks & Recreation Master Plan.

Staff described the project as a comprehensive 20-year update that will inventory parks and facilities, conduct a needs assessment, produce operations and maintenance recommendations, and create a capital improvement plan. "The updated master plan will guide our efforts for the next 20 years," a staff presenter said, describing outreach through workshops, surveys, focus groups and public events.

Staff said the consultant selection followed an RFP process, that two consultants were interviewed, and KTUA was chosen in part for its community outreach plan. The cost was presented as $274,001.20 and staff emphasized that the project would be funded entirely by Measure A funds, not the general fund.

During public comment and council Q&A, residents and council members praised improved park maintenance and asked whether the plan would address issues such as acquisitions (for example near Emerald Park), integrated shade structures and urban heat mapping. Staff confirmed the scope includes an inventory and needs assessment that will consider acquisitions, shade, and operations strategies, and noted operations and maintenance and funding mechanisms would be part of the plan.

Mayor Pro Tem Johnson moved to authorize the city manager to execute the agreement; Council member Lau seconded, and the clerk recorded a 5-0 approval. Staff said work will begin with a kickoff in January 2025 and that community outreach will intensify in spring 2025.