City engineer outlines park construction, road-rehab plans and multiple grant bids, including $8M WaterSMART request

City Engineer Javier Andrade briefed the Avenal City Council on Jan. 9 about ongoing capital projects, community outreach and grant pursuits that will shape the city’s infrastructure work in 2025.

Andrade said the neighborhood playground/park project is under construction with foundation work and playground assembly underway and estimated completion by the end of the following month. The design includes ADA-friendly rubber surfacing and limited-access fencing to improve safety for children with special needs.

On roads, Andrade reviewed the planned 2025 citywide road-rehab project and results from a recent town hall where residents prioritized roadway safety, walkability and maintenance; staff proposed roughly a 50/50 split on funds between maintenance and safety improvements and described specific traffic-calming measures such as bulb-outs near schools.

Andrade also outlined the city’s grant activity: an STP application of approximately $300,000 (technical assistance or project funds), a WaterSMART drought-response application for roughly $8,000,000 to construct two water tanks, and a previously awarded CMAQ grant of about $3.5 million for a trail on 7th Avenue north of Southern. He noted one grant (HCP) was unsuccessful this round and said staff will pursue future opportunities.

Council members asked about park capacity, ADA access points connecting the pocket park to a nearby fitness court, and cost estimates; Andrade committed to return with cost estimates and monitoring plans for access and safety. The engineer said he will continue outreach in follow-up town halls and finalize bid schedules for projects slated to go to construction and to seek additional grant matches where needed.