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Berkeley proclaims National Public Works Week and honors Willard Park Clubhouse with CPRS award
Summary
Mayor Adina Ishii proclaimed National Public Works Week and city staff and designers accepted an award from the California Park and Recreation Society for the Willard Park Clubhouse and restroom replacement project, a Measure T1‑funded, LEED Gold Net‑0 design praised for boosting after‑school capacity and accessibility.
Mayor Adina Ishii opened the May 19 council meeting with two ceremonial recognitions. She read a proclamation declaring May 17–23, 2026, National Public Works Week and thanked the Public Works Department for maintaining streets, sewers, water infrastructure and street lighting across the city.
The council then recognized the Willard Park Clubhouse and restroom replacement project, a Measure T1 investment that staff and designers presented as a LEED Gold Net‑0 neighborhood resiliency hub. Leah Martinez, representing the California Park and Recreation Society, described the project’s scope and community impact: after‑school enrollment rose from 45 to 80, the facility includes gender‑neutral restrooms and ADA‑accessible public restrooms, and the building functions as a neighborhood resiliency hub during emergencies.
City staff thanked designers and community participants for a multi‑year process with at least 200 community input interactions; staff noted the project was completed with Measure T1 bond funding. Council members and public commenters praised the facility for improving park usability and providing inclusive community space.
The ceremonial items concluded with a brief photo opportunity and the council took a 15‑minute recess before proceeding with regular business.
