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Report providing an update on the Linden Avenue Park project (project no. pk2305), and Orange Memorial Park Aquatic Center project (project no. pk2310). (Philip Vitale, Deputy Director of Capital Projects)
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RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
It is recommended that the Cultural Arts Commission receive an update on the Linden Avenue Park Project and Orange Memorial Park Aquatic Center project.
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BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION
Linden Park Project Update
Following City Council’s direction from the May presentation of the concept design, the design team has initiated development of the construction documents. The Design Development package was circulated to City departments-including Engineering, Public Works, Building, Parks, and Water Quality & Control-for review. Comments have been received and are now being incorporated into the construction documents. The current cost estimate, based on the Design Development documents, remains within the approved project budget, eliminating the need for a value engineering process.
Work is also underway on the Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration (IS/MND) to satisfy California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) requirements. This study evaluates the project’s potential impacts on traffic, hydrology, water quality, transportation, air quality, cultural resources, and other factors, and identifies any necessary mitigation measures. The IS/MND will be released for public review and comment in the coming months.
The City is exploring both a permanent prefabricated restroom and a subscription-based portable restroom for the park. Staff has coordinated a 10-month pilot program with Throne Labs, Inc. for deployment of a smart, ADA-accessible single-stall restroom unit. Throne restrooms are currently in public use at the Redwood City Caltrain Station and at multiple locations for AC Transit drivers.
The pilot will begin in September, with the unit located at the 700 Linden Avenue parking lot. Access is managed via QR code, text message, or access cards, which will be distributed at Grand Avenue Library. No personal data will be collected.
During the trial, staff will evaluate usage data (provided by Throne’s remote sensors), conduct user experience surveys, and monitor overall performance and public feedback to inform long-term decisions. The restroom features include a flushing toilet, running water sink, climate control, baby changing station, menstrual product dispenser, sharps container, graffiti-resistant wrap, and 24/7 remote monitoring. The cost of the pilot will be covered using existing park maintenance funds.
Orange Memorial Park Aquatic Center Update
Construction of the Orange Memorial Park Aquatic Center continues to progress steadily, with the building and windscreen elements now taking shape. Current work includes:
• Installation of plumbing, and electrical infrastructure below the pool decks
• Overhead fire sprinkler installation
• Framing of interior walls
• Installation of pool tiles
• Construction of the perimeter windscreen framework
Off-site improvements by CalWater have also been completed, including the installation of new fire hydrants along Orange Avenue and Tennis Drive. Temporary striping has been applied, and additional safety measures-such as rumble strips and enhanced signage-are being installed at the Tennis Drive parking lot crossing to encourage slower vehicle speeds and improve pedestrian safety.
To mitigate dust, the contractor has covered soil stockpiles with tarps, actively using water trucks and manual hosing and automatic sprinklers. Additional temporary rumble strips and additional signage at the centerline of the Tennis Drive crosswalk has been added to improve driver awareness of pedestrian crossing and help to reduce vehicle speeds.
Staff continues to work closely with Swinerton Consulting & Management (construction manager) and Wickman, Inc. (general contractor) to plan the transition from Phase 1 to Phase 2. During the transition between these phases, the existing Orange Pool will be closed and demolished as preparations are made to bring the new Aquatic Center online and open it to the public.
Once the concrete pool decks for both the indoor and outdoor pools have been poured in late August, staff will coordinate a second round of site tours for Commissioners to observe construction progress firsthand.