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Report regarding a resolution authorizing the acceptance of a $5,000 donation from the South San Francisco Police Activities League for the Orange Memorial Park Sports Field Project (project number pk1402), and amending the Parks and Recreation Department’s Operating Budget pursuant to budget amendment #23.054. (Greg Mediati, Director, Parks and Recreation Department)
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RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
It is recommended that the City Council adopt a resolution authorizing the acceptance of a $5,000 donation from the South San Francisco Police Activities League to be used toward the construction of the Orange Memorial Park Sports Field Project.
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BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION
For many years, the baseball and softball fields at Orange Memorial Park served as a hub for the sports community in South San Francisco. The field had been regularly used for youth baseball, South San Francisco High School varsity baseball, and adult softball.
In 2018, grant funding from Caltrans for the storm water capture project at Orange Memorial Park was approved, which necessitated that the field be razed and replaced after installation of the subsurface cistern and water treatment facility. This project provided an opportunity for the City to reimagine the future of the ballfield, which ultimately resulted in a preference for an all-weather synthetic athletic field.
In 2020, the City Council awarded a contract to Verde Design Landscape Architects to develop construction documents for the project. Upon the completion of community outreach and design, a construction contract was awarded to Interstate Grading and Paving in early 2022. Construction began in June 2022. Currently the project is on budget and on schedule. A grand opening, pending further inclement weather, is anticipated this summer.
The project consists of new synthetic fields, a pre-fabricated concessions building, sports field and pedestrian lighting, electrical improvements, fencing, safety netting, pedestrian paving, planting and irrigation improvements at Orange Memorial Park.
Shortly after construction began in August 2022, the South San Francisco Police Activities League offered to donate $5,000 toward the project, honoring a years-old commitment to support improvements to Orange Memorial Park. The donation was subsequently approved by their board, and the donation was received by staff earlier this year.
The generous donation is helping fund the replanting of three mature palms, which are now located on the corner of Memorial Drive and West Orange Avenue behind the Archie Fregosi Field backstop. One of these trees was relocated from within the park, while two were provided by the Town of Hillsborough where they were slated for removal for a storm drain replacement project. The Police Activities League’s donation will be recognized with a plaque placed beneath these three trees.
FISCAL IMPACT
Receipt of this donation has no impact to the City’s general fund and will be used to offset project costs.
RELATIONSHIP TO STRATEGIC PLAN
Acceptance of this funding will contribute to the City’s Strategic Plan under Priority #2 by helping to create high-quality parks and recreation facilities for residents to enjoy.
CONCLUSION
Staff recommends that City Council adopt a resolution authorizing the acceptance of a $5,000 donation from the South San Francisco Police Activities League to be used toward the construction of the Orange Memorial Park Sports Field Project.
The Parks and Recreation Department appreciates contributions from individual community members and local organizations that help continue and enhance the Department’s mission to provide opportunities for physical, cultural and social well-being, protect and enhance the physical environment, and ensure the effective and efficient use of public facilities and open space.
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