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Council hears updates on park restrooms, solar lights and resident safety concerns
Summary
Staff said the Lemon Grove Park modular restroom was approved by HCD and sent to production with late‑2026 delivery expected; public commenters pressed for more lighting on Main Street and flagged stagnant creek and property maintenance problems.
City staff told the council on April 28 that the modular restroom building for Lemon Grove Park received state approval and is in production, with delivery now anticipated between September and October 2026.
Izimir Correa (S5) described the restroom project as a joint effort with the school district and said the vendor expects production this year. "The vendor said that we said it should be complete by the August... originally the estimate ... was October 2026," Correa said, and staff reiterated they expect delivery in the fall and will continue coordination with the school district on construction and access.
Staff also reviewed park lighting proposals. Correa said the Berry Street Park lighting improvement project was listed at $100,000 on a slide but that staff had requested $300,000 from Measure T; the proposal focuses on solar light poles along walking paths and around parking areas, with estimated fixture costs of about $5,000–$7,000 per pole and a preliminary count of 25–30 poles.
During public comment, Brenda Hammond (S7) urged more lighting on Main Street where people walk to the trolley and bus stop, saying the corridor is dark and noting the safety risk for transit users. "Main Street... it's dark," Hammond said, calling for greater focus on lighting near transit stops. John L. Woods (S9), a nearby resident, described clogged creek channels and urged property owners to maintain privately owned riparian areas to prevent blockages that cause stagnant water and odor.
Council members and staff discussed possible grant sources for parks work (staff noted Prop 68 as an avenue), the potential to add EV chargers and solar canopies to generate revenue, and the practicality limits of installing solar canopy arrays in some park locations due to limited real estate. Staff said the city will continue to pursue grants and bring more detailed cost estimates back to council.
Why it matters: The restroom and lighting projects affect everyday park access and pedestrian safety near transit. Community comments underscored immediate safety and health concerns that council asked staff to prioritize where feasible.
What’s next: Staff will present grant opportunities, corrected cost figures for Berry Street Park lighting, and a timetable for the park restroom arrival and installation as part of the May budget cycle.
