El Segundo approves $5.6 million Teen Center, skate-park renovation; construction to begin in September

The El Segundo City Council on May 19 approved construction and professional services contracts for a $5.6 million renovation of the Teen Center Plaza and adjoining skate park, moving forward a multi-use teen facility designed with community input.

The council authorized the city manager to execute a public works contract with SS&K Construction and a professional-services agreement with MIG and approved two alternates: upgraded LED lighting (about $150,000) and blue-dyed concrete for the skate-park base ($20,000). Staff said the full package, including construction administration and contingencies, totals roughly $5.6 million and noted Measure W stormwater funds will offset about $194,000 of the cost.

Director Sessums described the design as a multi-use court for basketball, volleyball and pickleball, improved lighting to eliminate dark spots, a renovated skate park element (the water-tower feature), and a standalone teen center. Line-item estimates presented at the meeting were: skate park ~$600,000, plaza ~$900,000, and the teen center ~$3 million. Construction management, testing and inspection were estimated in the $300,000–$400,000 range.

Council members said the project reflects extensive community engagement, including workshops and school outreach, and praised staff coordination with the Parks and Recreation Commission. The council voted 5-0 to award the contract, adopt a resolution authorizing subcontractor substitutions under Public Contract Code 4107, and to return in August with a construction-management selection.

The adopted schedule calls for construction to begin in September and be completed by July 2027; staff said the construction-management RFP will be brought back to council in August so a firm is in place before work starts.