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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 Park Project Update
Development of construction documents continues, with the 90% Construction Documents (CDs) having been reviewed by City departments including Engineering, Public Works, Fire, Police, Building, Parks, and Water Quality. This represents the third round of technical reviews. The design team is actively addressing comments. A cost estimate prepared on the 90% package confirms the project remains aligned with the approved budget.
City staff and the design team continue to meet with adjacent property owners to review the park design, incorporate feedback, and coordinate on property-line fencing, lighting, and landscaping.
The City, with assistance from SWCA Environmental Consultants, prepared an Initial Study / Mitigated Negative Declaration (IS/MND) for the proposed project. The document was circulated for 30 days, from September 22, 2025, through October 22, 2025, in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), and provided to the State of California, reviewing agencies, local jurisdictions, and interested parties.
The IS/MND concludes that all environmental impacts of the project would be less than significant with mandatory adherence to federal, state, and local standards, as well as implementation of identified mitigation measures. These measures address nesting bird surveys and buffers; unanticipated cultural resources finds; unanticipated human remains finds; seismic-related failure risk; potential hazards associated with excavation and disposal of lead-impacted soil; excessive construction noise; potential disruption of emergency response routes from construction traffic; and unanticipated tribal cultural resources finds. With adherence to applicable regulations and implementation of mitigation measures, the project would not degrade the environment or create adverse effects on human beings.
All required mitigation measures-including implementation responsibility, schedule, and completion criteria-are detailed in the IS/MND and incorporated into the Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program. The City will ensure implementation of all required mitigation measures during construction.
The public comment period closed on October 22, 2025. Four comment letters were received:
• Amah Mutsun Tribal Band of San Juan Bautista: Standard advisory letter with recommendations for work in culturally sensitive soils; no comments on the IS/MND (dated September 22, 2025).
• Muwekma Ohlone Tribe, Inc.: Advisory regarding availability for consultation and monitoring; no comments on the IS/MND (dated September 29, 2025).
• Pacific Gas and Electric Company: Two advisory letters (dated September 24 and October 14, 2025) regarding coordination around PG&E facilities; no comments on the IS/MND.
The IS/MND was adopted at the December 10, 2025, City Council meeting.
The park will feature three coordinated mosaic art components designed to function cohesively:
• Mosaic columns at the plaza: Four freestanding columns serving as vertical landmarks.
• Mosaic inlays at the plaza: Durable inlaid mosaics integrated into the concrete plaza, complementing the visual motif of the columns.
• Playground mosaic sculpture: An interactive sculpture intended to encourage tactile and imaginative play.
The City issued a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for the public art component, which opened in June 2025 and closed in July 2025. Thirty-four submissions were received and evaluated by the public art consultant and City staff. The Public Art Subcommittee reviewed the 15 qualified artists and scored them using the adopted rubric. The top five artists were shortlisted, and four of the five artists submitted qualifying proposals: Alex Proba; Colette Crutcher & Aileen Barr; J. Muzacz; and WowHaus. Shortlisted artists, consultants, the project team, and City staff met to review project requirements and respond to questions. All four artists entered into Concept Agreements with the City.
Each shortlisted artist received a $1,000 stipend to prepare three concept proposals. The Public Art Subcommittee reviewed the proposals and ranked them. Concepts were presented to the public at a pop-up event at the site on October 4, 2025, where all four artists or their representatives spoke with attendees. A community poll was open from October 4 through October 24, 2025, receiving more than 150 responses. Results indicated 48% community preference for J. Muzacz and 20% for WowHaus.
The Public Art Subcommittee met with consultants and City staff to review poll results and prepare a finalist recommendation. The Subcommittee recommended J. Muzacz, which was unanimously supported by the Cultural Arts Commission. City Council approved a Public Art Agreement with J Muzacz at the December 10 City Council meeting.
Staff will work with the artist to refine the design, plan a community workshop and prepare for fabrication and installation in 2026.
Separately, the City launched the Throne Restroom Pilot on September 30 at 700 Linden Avenue near 8th Lane. Access is provided via QR code, text message, or free access cards (available at the Grand Avenue Library). Signage is provided in both English and Spanish.
As of October 15, anonymous usage data indicates:
• Over 250 total users
• More than 30% of users have visited multiple times
• 15% of users accessed the unit via access cards
• Peak usage occurs around 8 a.m., 1 p.m., and 6 p.m., corresponding with common meal times
• Visitors are invited to complete a brief survey that includes questions regarding prior Throne usage, impressions of the facility, perceptions of safety, preferred future locations, and general comments.
Preliminary survey results show:
• 100% of respondents rated the Throne as a “great public restroom option”
• 75% reported feeling safer using the Throne that a typical park restroom
• Although formal merchant data is still being collected, informal outreach indicates strong positive reception. Several merchants noted that the Throne is a helpful neighborhood amenity that may reduce reliance on business restrooms.
Additional anonymized usage and survey data will be available later this month.
Orange Memorial Park Aquatic Center Update
Construction of the Orange Memorial Park Aquatic Center continues to advance significantly as 2025 closes. Key overhead and building envelope milestones are underway, and the project is progressing steadily toward its final architectural form.
Recent work has focused on interior painting, overhead mechanical-electrical-plumbing (MEP) installations, rooftop preparation, mechanical room work, and ongoing insulation. Site activity remains robust with multiple trades working across the facility.
Work highlights this month and last month include:
• Completion of overhead painting in key natatorium areas, allowing HVAC and lighting installation to begin.
• Installation and inspection of rooftop curbs, with roof waterproofing preparation is now underway.
• Ongoing wall and ceiling insulation across multiple zones.
• Mechanical and electrical rooms receiving equipment and system connections.
• Completion of scoreboard and light pole footings near the outdoor pool, and completion of windscreens painting.
• Preparation for composite siding installation, which will begin shaping the building’s final appearance.
The next phase will bring major visual transformations. Composite siding, and permanent roofing will begin shaping the center’s final identity. Meanwhile, critical systems like HVAC, lighting, and plumbing will continue progressing indoors.
The Aquatic Center lobby has been designed to accommodate a public art mural. A Request for Qualifications opened in May 2025 and closed in June 2025. Ninety-six submissions were received and evaluated by the public art consultant and City staff. The Public Art Subcommittee reviewed 15 qualified artists and scored them using the established rubric. The top four artists advanced to the shortlist: Angelina Duckett; Elena Manferdini; Crystal and Cameron Moberg; and Rachel Rodi.
Shortlisted artists met with consultants, the project team, and City staff to review requirements and ask questions. All four shortlisted artists entered into Concept Agreements with the City. Each submitted concept design proposals, which were presented to the Public Art Subcommittee for ranking. Concepts were displayed publicly at the annual Concert in the Park on September 20, 2025. Artists were encouraged to attend; Crystal Moberg and Rachel Rodi were present.
A community poll was open from September 20 through October 3, 2025. “Water Dances” by Rachel Rodi and Guy Fuerte received the highest preference score (37%). The Public Art Subcommittee met with consultants and City staff to review poll results and recommended “Water Dances” as the finalist. The Cultural Arts Commission unanimously supported the recommendation.
The City has begun finalizing a contract with the artist team. In addition to the lobby mural, the artists will lead a community-created mural installation within the facility’s entry landscape. The community build day is scheduled for January 31, with additional details forthcoming later this month.