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San Fernando parks commission hears public-works briefing on playground repairs, Las Palmas renovation and aging exercise equipment
Summary
The Parks, Wellness and Recreation Commission received a public-works update that detailed playground repairs and graffiti removal, a planning-stage $4.5 million Las Palmas Park renovation, options for pollinator-friendly plantings along McClellan, and replacement options for decade-old exercise equipment whose vendor is out of business.
The San Fernando Parks, Wellness and Recreation Commission on Tuesday welcomed two new city staff and spent the bulk of its meeting on a public-works briefing about park maintenance, upcoming renovations and potential capital needs.
Public works director Bonnie Tam introduced herself and described nearly two decades of local government experience and a background in municipal budgeting, capital improvement planning and operations; economic development manager Lyndon Johnson also introduced his focus on making San Fernando more business-friendly. The commission then heard staff updates on multiple park items and next steps for each.
Staff said a missing cap on a climbing apparatus at Pioneer Park will be replaced and noted a dedicated graffiti removal position that rapidly clears tags reported through the My San Fernando app. Commissioners pressed staff for a visual plant selection and cost estimates for adding hummingbird- and pollinator-friendly species to the pots along the McClellan corridor; staff said it will evaluate feasibility, irrigation needs and maintenance impacts and then forward findings to the city manager and city council.
On Recreation Park, staff briefed the commission that the outfield was dug out during an infiltration project and reimported soil is currently unsuitable for turf; an engineering contractor is preparing options and cost estimates and staff warned there may be other issues, including potential litigation, before final recommendations are made to the city manager and council.
Commissioners discussed adding shade sails and replacing or repairing exercise equipment at Recreation Park. Staff said some equipment cannot be welded or structurally altered in-house for liability reasons and that the company which originally supplied certain fitness machines is out of business and warranties have expired. Staff will research the costs to replace the equipment and pursue potential grant funding, then report back to the city manager and city council.
Lighting needs at Recreation and Pioneer parks will be evaluated, including whether LED retrofits, timing or security lighting adjustments are required; commissioners recommended nighttime walkthroughs to identify dim areas and safety risks. Staff also said a cross-department task force, including community development and police, is coordinating responses to vandalism and park safety concerns related to people experiencing homelessness.
The commission heard that Las Palmas Park is in planning for a renovation project staff described as roughly $4.5 million; the city has sought state approvals for scope changes and said it will return with firm plans and a maintenance/implementation proposal. On parking, staff will evaluate the feasibility of residential permit parking near parks and other traffic-calming measures and will forward results to the city manager and council.
Commissioners asked staff to follow up on liability and insurance questions tied to aging equipment; staff said human-resources and risk management will be consulted and that cost and funding options will be presented. Staff also discussed volunteer planting projects and watering logistics, noting options such as metered hydrant connections and a 500-gallon trailer used for temporary irrigation.
The commission took a brief break, then received recreation-and-community-services program updates on recent events (including a Pride flag raising and Memorial Day ceremony), senior programs and upcoming community activities such as Foodzilla on June 27 and a July 4 drone show at Recreation Park. Summer day camp was noted to begin Monday, June 15.
Before adjourning, commissioners raised safety concerns after a report of an alleged assault at a recent Pride-related event in which two people were reportedly attacked in a restroom. Commissioners urged that the incident be reported to and followed up by police, urged event hosts and businesses to notify law enforcement ahead of events when possible, and asked staff and the police commander to follow up with details and appropriate preventive measures.
The meeting was adjourned at about 8:24 p.m. and items that require funding or policy decisions will be returned to the commission once staff prepares cost estimates and recommendations for the city manager and council.
