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Space Center expansion moves forward as parks, cameras and community programs shape next year’s workplan
Summary
Council heard that construction contracts are in place for the Columbia Memorial Space Center expansion, but staff said roughly $20 million more will be needed for later phases. Parks and Recreation previewed a phased park camera rollout starting July 1 and new programs including pickleball court expansions and a park ranger transfer to parks.
Downey staff told council the Columbia Memorial Space Center awarded a contract for its expansion building and site preparation is underway; the building shell is funded, but staff said the foundation and private supporters will need to raise about $20 million for phases two and three of the campus project.
Space Center staff highlighted recent grant‑supported programming (including a $150,000 grant for a LowRider Lab program focused on engineering and maker skills) and said the new building construction will take roughly 12–18 months with public visitation and expanded programming to follow.
Parks and Recreation Director Jason presented department accomplishments — more than 30 community events and the launch of the city mascot “Apollo” — and outlined park capital work: four permanent pickleball courts installed at Independence Park, continued work on Rio San Gabriel Park (soil testing in progress) and a planned phased rollout of park security cameras. Staff said installations for three parks (Independence, Discovery Sports Complex and Wilderness) are planned to begin July 1 and would bring the parks program to roughly 75 percent camera coverage by this phase.
Council members raised parking concerns for the expanded space center campus and asked staff to explore nearby properties and options; staff said they are already meeting about parking logistics and would report back. Council also asked the parks director to return with cost and staffing implications for an accelerated camera program, noting connectivity and staff capacity as planning constraints.
Director Jason said the park ranger program has been transitioned from police to parks, with four rangers hired to increase on‑site presence, handle shelter‑reservation conflicts and perform community engagement duties.
The council applauded community programming and asked staff to return with timelines and cost estimates for library Sunday hours, park camera acceleration and space center parking options during the final budget adoption.
