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Parks & Recreation Notes: December 9 meeting

Local Government

Tree Division Update

West Coast Arborists Inc. is currently providing contract tree services to the City of Fullerton.

November
  • Trees Trimmed Citywide: 268
  • Trees/Stumps Removed Citywide: 47
  • Tree planted citywide: 1
December
  • Trees Trimmed Citywide: 352
  • Trees/Stumps Removed Citywide: 31
  • Tree planted citywide: 0

New Employee

Chuy Sandoval is the new recreation supervisor overseeing special events. She joins us from the city of Mission Viejo.

Outdoor Facilities and Parks Update

  • Boys and Girls Club (See story on page 12)
  • Emery Park playground has been purchased, and construction is underway. The project was put out to bid in early December and will be awarded by the council on January 21st. The Parks and Recreation team is handling the purchase of play equipment and the engineering for construction. The bid includes an option for rubber mulch, which will be evaluated by the costs to decide between using wood chips versus rubber mulch for the playground surface.
  • Fullerton Tennis Center: The city is hiring a second contract instructor for the spring program, in addition to the Fullerton Tennis Academy. The windscreens were replaced, giving the center a refreshed look. Monthly events are being hosted with the Friends of the Fullerton Tennis Center. Coordinator Jacob is available for tours.
  • Independence Park: Staff is exploring ADA improvements using CDBG funds, but first, a topography survey is underway. The plan also features a community garden and parking lot improvements. Construction of the pool fencing on the north side of Independence Park started in the second week of November and is expected to be completed by the end of December, with fencing improvements set for January.
  • Laguna Lake: Duckweed, although it is not harmful, spreads quickly in the standing water. The city worked with Aqua Bio to resolve the issue in two weeks. Laguna Lake has now been restored to its normal condition.
  • Lemon Street murals are being restored to create a vibrant entryway to our city. The Parks and Recreation staff raised about $2,000 through T-shirt sales, which are still available for $20 each at city hall.
  • Union Pacific Trail Phase Two project, connecting Richmond to Independence Park, is currently at the 60% design stage, with city staff awaiting the final 90% design. KTA design firm and city staff hold monthly meetings to ensure progress as state deadlines approach. Designs are available on the Union Pacific Trail webpage on the city’s website. It is expected to have 90% designs by the end of December and then finalize the plans. In January the construction plan goes out to bid and is expected to be awarded by March 2025. A groundbreaking ceremony is expected in April and construction is estimated to be complete by September 2025. The goal is to connect Union Pacific Park with Independence Park.
  • Valencia Park is gaining attention due to an ADA improvement project approved by the Council last November, with construction set to begin in January. This project will include ADA-compliant restrooms, additional turf, and new paint for the basketball court. As to inquiries about park lighting, those improvements will be part of a separate project since CDBG funds can only be used for ADA improvements. A Kaboom application has been submitted for a new playground, and staff is working with local partners and public works to address lighting. The project is expected to be completed by March 2025.

Athletic Field Use & Allocation Process

On November 5, 2019, the City Council approved the Athletic Field Use and Allocation Policy to manage field use and support partnerships with youth sports organizations. It outlines the allocation process for seven Youth Sports Partner Leagues and rentals. The City has 45 fields, with only 6 lighted. It lost Clark Park, which had 5 fields and 3 lighted.

The Athletic Field Use and Allocation Policy prioritizes groups as follows:

  1. Partner Group (1st Priority): 501(c)(3) non-profits based in Fullerton with 80% residents and state/national affiliations, following conflict-of-interest guidelines.
  2. Fullerton Competitive Group (2nd Priority): 501(c)(3) youth sports non-profits with at least 55% Fullerton residents and state/national affiliations, required to submit team details by the deadline.
  3. Rental Group (3rd Priority): Groups not meeting the first two criteria, with limited reservations. Fullerton youth sports leagues must have 80% local residents, be 501(c)(3) nonprofits, use volunteer coaches and board members and adhere to a conflict-of-interest policy while being affiliated with a state or national sports organization.


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