Rio Vista commission approves park survey, eyes Measure K funding and requests Blackwelder Park briefing

The Rio Vista Parks & Recreation Commission approved a draft park survey and discussed next steps for allocating Measure K funds and options for Blackwelder Park.

Staff presented the survey as a tool to gather resident priorities for park amenities, including shade, picnic areas and courts such as tennis or pickleball. Staff said the survey avoids leading questions, will be distributed online with a QR code and promoted via city channels and social media; distribution could begin within a week if the commission gave concurrence. Commissioners recommended adding a question asking which parks residents visit, including hyperlinks or a map to clarify local park names and common nicknames.

The commission also received an update on Measure K oversight: staff are forming an oversight committee that will review requests and may recommend Measure K funding for Community Park at Liberty or other park projects. Staff noted the main budget-cycle work starts in April and encouraged the commission to use survey results to help prioritize funding requests.

Commissioners discussed Blackwelder Park at length, noting its history as a rentable event venue and current issues including overgrowth, safety hazards from dead limbs and fencing, and bathrooms that would require work to meet accessibility standards. Commissioners asked public works staff to prepare a “punch list” and a presentation on the park’s condition, cost estimates for repairs/revitalization and any code or accessibility requirements; the commission agreed to place that briefing on a future agenda.

At the meeting’s business items, a commissioner moved to approve the prior meeting minutes and the commission voted by roll call (yes votes recorded; one commissioner absent). The commission closed with a discussion of potentially moving to monthly meetings during the spring and summer months and adjourned after confirming future agenda items.