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Report regarding 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 Parks and Recreation Commission receive an update on the Linden Avenue Park Project and Orange Memorial Park Aquatic Center Project.
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BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION
Linden Avenue Park Project Update
Following an extensive community engagement process and recommendations from the Public Art Subcommittee and Cultural Arts Commission, the City Council awarded a contract to J. Muzacz for the design and installation of public art at the new Linden Avenue Park. The artwork will incorporate community participation through a mosaic installation event anticipated in late 2026, providing residents with an opportunity to directly contribute to the final pieces.
A Request for Bids for park construction was publicly advertised on February 11, 2026. Bid documents are available under pk:2305: New Park at Linden and Pine Ave Construction at OpenGov.com. Questions regarding the bid documents are due February 25, and bids are scheduled to be received on March 11.
On September 30, 2025, the City launched the Throne Restroom Pilot at 700 Linden Avenue near 8th Lane to assess restroom access solutions in advance of permanent park construction. The restroom is accessible via QR code, text message, or free access cards available at the Grand Avenue Library. Signage is provided in English and Spanish.
The following summarizes pilot performance data through December 2025:
• Total Usage: 1,844 visits recorded
• Repeat Usage: Over 35% of users are returning visitors
• Peak Demand: Highest utilization occurs on weekends
• Accountability: No users required access restrictions due to misuse
• Cleanliness Rating: Average user satisfaction score of 4.22 out of 5.00
To evaluate impacts on the surrounding commercial corridor, staff launched an online Merchant Survey during the week of February 2, 2026.
• Objective: Assess the pilot’s influence on sanitation conditions and business operations
• Survey Period: Open through February 15, 2026
• Distribution: Survey link distributed via emails to merchants who participated in prior Merchant Roundtables, as well as additional downtown businesses
City Council will consider user data, customer feedback, and merchant survey results in determining whether to construct a permanent prefabricated restroom as part of the park project or continue utilizing Throne, Inc. services at the site.
Orange Memorial Park Aquatic Center
Construction at the Orange Memorial Park Aquatic Center is progressing steadily through several critical infrastructure milestones. A major focus recently has been the building envelope; waterproofing and roofing systems are now complete at the natatorium and are nearing completion at the lower roof areas. Reaching full roofing completion later this month will be a significant step, as it will weatherproof the building and allow the contractor to begin sensitive interior finish work.
On the exterior, the building is now prepared for façade materials. Installation of composite wood siding has already begun on the north elevation near the main lobby, with aluminum panels and stucco to follow.
Supporting infrastructure and mechanical systems are also nearing key integration points. Utility work along Tennis Drive is ongoing, with PG&E inspections scheduled for late February. Furthermore, the project team expects the delivery and rooftop setting of major mechanical units early March.
While the team continues to navigate earlier construction delays, staff and the construction manager are working in close coordination with the contractor on a recovery schedule to regain lost time and maintain alignment with the project’s overall completion goals.