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Commission adds neighborhood repairs to CIP, asks staff to rework skatepark and parkwide funding priorities
Summary
At a lengthy March 12 discussion on the draft FY 2026-27 Capital Improvement Program, commissioners added neighborhood repairs (Marina View sand, sidewalk work; Wilson restrooms), put community-garden planning and a $400,000 Westside park-development allocation on the five-year plan, and instructed staff to seek alternatives to adding new general-fund dollars to the T-winkle skatepark and Fairview projects.
The Parks & Community Services Commission made several amendments to the city’s draft Fiscal Year 2026-27 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) at its March 12 meeting, prioritizing targeted neighborhood repairs and asking staff to pursue alternative funding paths for larger builds.
What the commission added: Commissioners voted to add Marina View sand and sidewalk repairs and to fund Wilson Park restroom repairs in FY 2026-27. They also asked staff to program planning funds for community gardens and to earmark $400,000 in FY 2027-28 toward Westside park development (an area with long-standing park access deficits).
"Moon Park is part of a neighborhood that deserves the same attention and investments as other parts of Costa Mesa," said a Moon Park resident during public comment; multiple residents urged faster action rather than pushing major work into future years.
Why the change: Staff presented a draft CIP that reflected constrained local funding—parks-related programming in the draft totaled about $2.1 million—and several larger projects were shaped by outside grant timing and procurement realities. Director Seth Ramen said the skatepark at Twinkle Park received low bids that exceeded expectations, and the department is asking for a $500,000 supplemental allocation for construction management and contingency. He also noted a $2.0 million grant from the county supervisor that needed timely use.
Commission direction on large projects: The commission asked staff to pursue sponsorships, naming-rights or other non-general-fund sources and to revisit the Fairview Park and Twinkle skatepark allocations before passing more of the city’s general fund into those larger projects. Commissioners favored prioritizing C-rated parks identified in the city’s recent park assessment for the five-year plan.
Next steps and timeline: Staff will include the commission’s changes in the CIP materials submitted to City Council. Several commissioners urged earlier distribution of CIP materials next year so the commission can review options well before council deadlines. Staff noted final Council budget adoption is scheduled for June 2026; grants and vendor bids require certain actions this spring if projects are to proceed on the proposed timeline.
What to watch: Moon Park and Harper Park advocates said they will continue to press for near-term repairs and safety measures; staff said Moon Park will receive a planning allocation this year and that design, safety interventions and outreach will define required construction costs for future years.
