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Report providing an update on the Linden Avenue Park project (project no. pk2305), and Orange Memorial Park Aquatic Center and Veterans Memorial 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 Park Project Update
Since presenting the preferred concept design for the new park at Linden and Pine to the Parks and Recreation Commission in March, the design was subsequently shared with the City Council on April 14. Councilmembers expressed overall support for the concept, while raising questions regarding parking time limits and emphasizing the importance of continued outreach to nearby residents and businesses about potential construction impacts. The Council also supported the inclusion of a public restroom, requesting additional details on the Throne submission option, and data supporting the need for a single-stall permanent facility.
In late May or early June, the project team will release a community survey to gather input on playground equipment. The options will reflect features prioritized during previous outreach efforts but will offer varied configurations and design styles for feedback.
Staff is currently developing two Requests for Proposals (RFPs) for the design, fabrication, and installation of public art elements within the park:
1. Central Plaza Art
One RFP will invite artists or artist teams to create mosaic columns and concrete inlays for the park’s central plaza. This project aims to enhance the park’s visual identity, provide a vibrant backdrop for performances and gatherings, and contribute to a strong sense of place through thoughtful, integrated design.
2. Playground Sculpture
A second RFP will seek qualified artists to design a site-specific sculptural artwork to be installed in the new playground area. The sculpture should complement the play environment, inspire imagination and curiosity, and reinforce the park’s identity as a welcoming, family-friendly space. It must also be safe, durable, and seamlessly integrated into the landscape-supporting the City’s goals around placemaking, accessibility, and civic pride.
Artists will be strongly encouraged to incorporate community input into their creative process. This may include hands-on design workshops, community feedback sessions, or participatory components involving local residents, schools, or neighborhood organizations. Proposals that demonstrate meaningful strategies for community engagement throughout the design and fabrication phases will be given priority.
The project team continues to advance the overall park design. The upcoming schematic design submission will include: existing conditions; demolition and utility schematics; site plan; sections and elevations that communicate design intent; and a preliminary estimate of probable construction costs. In parallel, efforts related to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) are progressing. This includes outreach to local tribal groups to offer consultation opportunities, preparation of administrative documentation, and an ongoing traffic operations study to inform the CEQA Initial Study.
Orange Memorial Park Project Update
Since last presenting an update to Commission in March a great deal of work has been put in place in April and into the first half of May.
With the completion and curing of the building pad poured end of March and now cured, worked continued with placement of the secondary steel members which will be supporting the roof deck of the building.
Assembly of CMU (concrete masonry units) walls to form the locker rooms, office spaces, and activity room took place in early April. The concrete bottoms of both pools were poured and the distribution lines that will deliver both water and chemicals throughout the pool were installed.
Rebar was meticulously installed at the indoor pool to create the form that will hold the water features and support the tile wall that will divide the shallow end of the indoor pool with the larger area for warm water swimming and swimming classes. Rough coats of shotcrete were sprayed onto the rebar to continue to build the structural walls and form of the indoor pool.
The outdoor pool is following closely behind with the crews moving over to the outdoor pool to begin their work for the rebar to reinforce the walls and sloped sides of the lap pool.
All of the underground plumbing for the pools were installed during this period. Key inspections for the pools were passed with approvals from the Health Department for each inspectable milestone allowing us to continue working on both pools in tandem.
Work that will support the building’s functions was also completed with pours completing the mechanical equipment pits and the installation of the settlement vaults for the pools. The overhead steel will soon be painted with a specialty paint that will protect it from the marine environment in which it has been installed.
Early in the month of May, crews performed saw-cutting and connected the site’s storm drain system to the main storm lines at Tennis Drive and Orange Avenue. Painting of the highest steel elements is scheduled for later this month. Cal Water began laying pipes and preparing for the installation of fire hydrants, with work expected to conclude by the end of May. To improve safety of pedestrians crossing from the Tennis Drive Parking Lot to Orange Pool during construction, temporary rumble strips have been installed. A permanent elevated crosswalk with flashing beacon will be constructed later during Phase 1 of the project.
Presentation materials from the meeting are available on the project webpage: www.ssf.net/veterans-memorial <http://www.ssf.net/veterans-memorial>. Staff will be arranging tours of the construction site for Commissioners and members of the City Council in the coming weeks.
Staff is preparing to release Requests for Qualifications (RFQs) for two public art initiatives: a mural in the Aquatic Center lobby and the refresh of the Eternal Flame sculpture at the Veterans Memorial. The RFQs will invite proposals from individual artists or artist teams for design, fabrication, and installation. Submissions that demonstrate meaningful community engagement in the creative process will be prioritized.
Orange Memorial Park Veterans Memorial Update
On April 24, staff hosted a meeting with veterans to gather input on the Veterans Memorial, which will be constructed during Phase 2 of the Aquatics Center project. Attended by Vice Mayor Addiego and members of the veterans community, the meeting included a review of the memorial design, discussion on the recognition plaques, and information about the planned refresh of the Eternal Flame sculpture. The deadline for submission of names to be added to the memorial plaques has been extended to June 8.