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Report providing an update on public art and overall progress for the Orange Memorial Park Aquatic Center project (project no. pk2310), including the Veterans Memorial; Linden Avenue Park project (project no. pk2305); Centennial Way Trail Park North project (project no. pk2302); and Orange Memorial Park Main Playground Replacement project (project no. pk2301) (Philip Vitale, Deputy Director of Capital Projects)
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RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
It is recommended that the Cultural Arts Commission receive updates on the public art and overall progress of the Orange Memorial Park Aquatic Center, Veterans Memorial, Linden Avenue Park, Centennial Way Trail Park North, and Orange Memorial Park Main Playground Replacement projects.
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BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION
Orange Memorial Park Aquatic Center (pk2310)
Construction of the Orange Memorial Park Aquatic Center continues to advance, with significant progress on both the interior and exterior of the facility as the project moves toward completion.
Interior work includes installation of cabinetry and completion of finishes in the restrooms and locker rooms. Lighting, flooring, and ceiling installations have also progressed, and installation of furnishings began the week of October 12. Audio-visual equipment and computers are expected to be installed in the coming weeks.
Exterior work includes installation and testing of most rooftop mechanical equipment, completion of the windscreen and fencing, and preparation of bioswales and planting areas. A lane of Tennis Drive has been temporarily closed to accommodate curb and gutter replacement and construction of accessible ramps and sidewalks.
Plastering and filling of the indoor pool began the week of October 19. Plastering and filling of the outdoor pool is anticipated to take place the week of October 26. Mechanical systems and building management controls are being connected and commissioned, and staff training is underway. Although the project schedule has been extended, staff continues to work closely with the construction manager and contractor to finalize a recovery schedule. Completion of Phase 1 is currently anticipated in late 2026.
Public Art. Staff continues to coordinate with artist Rachel Rodi as she prepares the lobby mosaic. The mosaic is being assembled on backing and will be installed in the facility later this year. In early 2027, Ms. Rodi will also install mosaic elements at the seatwall near the pick-up/drop-off area.
Veterans Memorial
On September 10, staff hosted a Veterans Stakeholder meeting in the City Manager's Conference Room to present the proposed dedication plaque design for the new Veterans Memorial, which will be constructed as part of Phase 2 of the Aquatic Center project.
The design includes a permanently attached header plaque featuring the inscription, “This Park is Dedicated to the Memory of Veterans of South San Francisco Who Gave Their Lives for Democracy,” consistent with the plaques at the original memorial. Panels recognizing past conflicts and individual service members will be arranged side by side beneath the header. Individual names will be displayed on separate nameplates, allowing additional names to be added over time. Additional panels recognizing future conflicts can also be installed as needed.
The memorial will also recognize South San Francisco service members who died as a result of service-connected exposures. Names have been collected over the past several months for inclusion in the memorial.
Staff also presented four concepts to refresh and reimagine the Eternal Flame sculpture. The concepts were made available to the broader South San Francisco veterans community for review and ranking through printed and online surveys, and more than 200 survey responses were received. Concept 2: Light & Reflection, by Angelina Duckett, received the highest ranking and was selected by the Commission to advance to design and fabrication. The concept maintains the familiar flame shape and its historic red, orange, and yellow colors, with bands of mirror woven through the stained glass to reflect the sky, landscape, and visitors. Staff is currently soliciting proposals for fabrication of the selected design.
Veterans stakeholders also reviewed and provided direction on two inscriptions for the memorial. The first will retain the quotation featured beneath the original sculpture:
“A nation reveals itself not only by the men it produces, but also by the men it honors, the men it remembers.” - John F. Kennedy, October 26, 1963
A second inscription will be added:
“The City of South San Francisco is an inclusive community. We recognize that President Kennedy's words extend to all residents that have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our great country.”
Construction of the Veterans Memorial is included in Phase 2 of the Aquatic Center project, with opening anticipated in early 2027.
Linden Avenue Park (pk2305)
Construction of Linden Avenue Park has progressed smoothly and remains on schedule. Following the closure and re-routing of Pine Avenue, the contractor completed demolition of approximately 100 feet of roadway to prepare the area for construction of the future park plaza. Crews also installed underground stormwater and sewer infrastructure, including stormwater facilities beneath the future play area and a sewer line to accommodate a potential future restroom.
Installation of a new underground water service line across Linden Avenue began October 26 and is scheduled to continue through November 20, 2026, between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. One lane at the intersection of Linden Avenue and Pine Avenue will be closed during this work, with flaggers directing traffic. Over the coming months, construction will also include installation of foundations for the playground structure, light poles, outdoor fitness equipment, and public art.
Public Art. Staff continues to coordinate with the artist J Muzacz on details of the park’s sculpture. The artist will soon begin off-site fabrication of the sculpture in preparation for installation in the park in 2027. As the park nears completion next year, community members will also have the opportunity to take part in the mosaic installation of the column art pieces. Information about these engagement opportunities will be shared as details are confirmed.
Park completion is anticipated in early 2027.
Centennial Way Trail Park North (pk2302)
The first in a series of community engagement workshops was held on Saturday, August 1 along the Centennial Way Trail near the South San Francisco BART Station. Community members of all ages stopped by the pop-up workshop to learn about the project, explore ideas for the future park, and provide feedback on potential park amenities and play features.
In addition to the workshop, staff collected community input through an online survey conducted from August 1 through August 16. More than 40 responses were received. The most requested park features were:
1. Designated teen space
2. Rock climber
3. Companion slide
4. Swings
5. Native plants
Public Art. The survey asked participants what type of public art they would like to see in the new park. Mosaic and mural were nearly tied as the top preferences:
• Mosaic: 36%
• Mural: 35%
• Sculpture: 19%
• Other: 10%
Participants were also asked to choose a play area theme, which will influence the design and character of the park. A waterway theme was preferred by 41% of respondents, followed by transportation (29%) and futuristic (28%).
The second community workshop was held on Saturday, October 3 along the Centennial Way Trail. Staff and the design team presented two conceptual design alternatives and invited community members to review the proposals and provide feedback. Both concepts include a skate area, teen space/outdoor classroom, lawn, and playground, but differ in their layout and design theme.
• Concept 1: Waterways Theme. This alternative places the skate area closer to BART Road, with the playground farther along the trail.
• Concept 2: Transportation Theme. This alternative places the playground closer to BART Road.
Building on the August survey results, the October 3 workshop and follow-up online survey asked participants to weigh in on four public art approaches: a seatwall mosaic, a pavement mosaic, a seatwall painted mural, and a pavement sandblasted mural. Participants also identified skate features at the Orange Memorial Park Skate Park that they would like to see relocated to the new skate area. The online survey closed on October 21, 2026, and staff is reviewing the results.
Staff intends to present a preferred conceptual design incorporating community feedback to the Parks and Recreation Commission at its November meeting.
Orange Memorial Park Main Playground Replacement (pk2301)
Following a Request for Proposals for design services for the Main Playground Replacement project, the City received six proposals. Staff interviewed all six firms in early September and, based on the firms’ qualifications, proposals, and interviews, selected Callander Associates of Burlingame to proceed with negotiations regarding the scope of services, fee, and schedule.
The project will replace the existing playground with a modern, universally accessible, all-abilities playground within the existing footprint. An extensive community engagement program is anticipated to begin later this year. Planned activities include public open houses, pop-up events, stakeholder meetings, and community surveys to gather input and help guide the playground’s design.
Public Art. The project will include public art elements. Staff will engage the community on public art as part of the design process and will return to the Cultural Arts Commission as the design develops.