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Blackwelder Park restoration debated as family offers volunteers and commission forms ad hoc to study options
Summary
Commissioners reviewed two cost estimates to reopen Blackwelder Park — roughly $75,000 for cleanup or $305,000 for full upgrades — and heard family members offer volunteer labor and leasing/partnership ideas; the commission set up a two-member ad hoc to research funding and options and return in May.
The Parks & Recreation Commission spent a lengthy portion of its meeting discussing the condition of Blackwelder Park, receiving a staff presentation that outlined two cost scenarios and hearing public comment from members of the Blackwelder family who offered volunteer labor and community support.
Staff said recent photos show overgrown vegetation, dead eucalyptus branches, damaged restroom buildings and general disrepair. The city presented two rough cost estimates: approximately $75,000 to clear and make the park usable (including demolishing existing restrooms and basic cleanup) and roughly $305,000 to fully upgrade the park with new restrooms, irrigation, benches, electrical work and other improvements. Staff said the park’s sewer lines should be capped if restrooms are removed and later un-capped should the city decide to reinstall facilities; the staff presenter relayed that Greg (public works) confirmed the site is on sewer.
Family members spoke in turn. Amy Halverson, speaking for the Blackwelder family, urged reopening the park for community use, said volunteers could help with signage, benches and cleanup, and asked the commission to consider non-city funding and in-kind help. Mark Blackwelder offered volunteers who could contribute plumbing, electrical and yard work and suggested portable toilets for events rather than rebuilding restrooms, estimating a volunteer-assisted restoration could cost far less than the city estimates.
Commissioners and staff discussed alternatives including leasing or partnering with a nonprofit (transcript referenced 'Real Vista Foundation'; local spelling is Rio Vista Foundation), fundraising, and the legal and union constraints around volunteer labor performing work historically done by union employees. Staff reminded commissioners that volunteer efforts must follow city processes and waivers. The commission agreed to establish a two-member ad hoc committee to research options and present findings at a future meeting in May.
