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Council approves pocket‑park concept for Veterans neighborhood with direction to increase green space
Summary
Council approved a concept plan for a pocket park at Gage and Zindell to serve the Veterans neighborhood, endorsing shaded play, open lawn, fitness areas and a multi‑use court while directing staff to increase lawn space, ensure ADA‑accessible equipment and refine parking to favor walking.
The City of Commerce council on April 28 approved a concept plan for a pocket park at the corner of Gage Avenue and Zindell Avenue in the Veterans neighborhood, endorsing a design driven by community input while asking staff to prioritize more open lawn and an ADA‑accessible playground.
Public Works presented the concept developed after community outreach that included an online survey and in‑person meeting; staff reported 74 survey responses and strong support for a shaded playground, walking paths, safety lighting and fencing. The proposed layout included a central shaded playground, flexible green lawns, picnic areas, fitness equipment and a full‑size multi‑use court that can support basketball and pickleball. The concept initially showed seven to eight parking stalls, but council members discussed reducing parking to preserve green space and to prioritize pedestrian access.
Council members asked staff to ensure that the playground is ADA accessible and suggested placing fitness equipment along the park perimeter to increase contiguous lawn. Councilwoman Raboyo urged fewer parking stalls and more lawn for informal play; other members emphasized limited parking for accessibility and programming needs. Staff said ADA parking would be retained and that reduced stall counts (e.g., 5——6) were feasible.
Council also noted the potential for grant or outside funding and mentioned that County Supervisor Hahn had expressed interest in assisting with construction. The council motion to approve staff's recommendation included the direction provided at the meeting and passed with unanimous support.
Staff will proceed to final design and construction documents, incorporate the council's direction on green space and fencing, and return with cost estimates and a timeline for construction.
