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Report providing an update on the Linden Avenue Park project (project no. pk2305), Orange Memorial Park Aquatic Center project (project no. pk2310) and Orange Memorial Park Main Playground Replacement project (project no. pk2301) and Centennial Trail Park North project (project no. Pk2302). (Philip Vitale, Deputy Director of Capital Projects)
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RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
It is recommended that the Parks and Recreation Commission receive updates on the Linden Avenue Park, Orange Memorial Park Aquatic Center, Orange Memorial Park Main Playground Replacement, and Centennial Way Trail Park North projects.
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BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION
Linden Park Project Update pk2305)
Since the project was last presented to the Parks and Recreation Commission in June, construction 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.
The next phase of work will focus on installing a new underground water service line across Linden Avenue. The line will connect to the existing water main near 703 Linden Avenue and provide water service to the future park. This work is scheduled for October 26 through November 20, 2026, between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. During construction, one lane at the intersection of Linden Avenue and Pine Avenue will be closed. Flaggers and other traffic control measures will be used to direct vehicles safely through the work area. Water service to nearby properties is not expected to be interrupted.
Over the coming months, construction will also include installation of foundations for the playground structure, light poles, outdoor fitness equipment, and public art.
On September 8, staff hosted a merchant stakeholder meeting to provide an update on construction and discuss potential measures to address parking and access needs during construction. Topics included exploring off-site parking options, identifying loading zones, and addressing parking enforcement.
Construction remains on schedule, with park completion anticipated in early 2027.
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. Pedestrians have been rerouted along Orange Avenue while this work is underway. Vehicles exiting the park have been redirected through the Eucalyptus gate.
Pool plastering is scheduled to begin later this month, followed immediately by filling the pools. 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 and refine the forecast for closure of the existing Orange Pool. Completion of Phase 1 is currently anticipated late 2026.
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 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. More than 100 survey responses were received. Concept 2: Light & Reflection, by Angelina Duckett, received the highest ranking and was selected by the Cultural Arts Commission to advance to design and fabrication. 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.
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.
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.
Centennial Trail Park North Project (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
Regarding public art, 36% of respondents preferred a mosaic, 35% preferred a mural, 19% preferred a sculpture, and 10% selected another type of art.
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.
Participants were also invited to provide feedback on public art preferences and identify skate features at Orange Memorial Park Skate Park that they would like to see relocated to the new skate area. The existing skate park is planned for removal to accommodate new pickleball courts.
Community members who were unable to attend the October 3 workshop are encouraged to review the conceptual alternatives and provide feedback through an online survey. The survey was promoted through flyers distributed at the workshop, email announcements, and the project webpage. The survey deadline has been extended to Wednesday, October 21, 2026.
Staff intends to present a preferred conceptual design incorporating community feedback to the Parks and Recreation Commission for review at its November meeting.