Special Notice / Hearing: None__
Vote Required: Majority
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: Emma Gonzalez, Interim Parks Director
Subject: Measure K: Agreement with McGuire and Hester for the design and construction of the Coyote Point Playground Replacement Project
RECOMMENDATION:
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Measure K: Adopt a resolution authorizing:
A) The President of the Board of Supervisors to execute an agreement with McGuire and Hester for the design and construction of the Coyote Point Playground Replacement Project, for the term of March 24, 2026 to December 18, 2026, in an amount not to exceed $3,800,000; and
B) The Parks Director, or the Parks Director’s designee, is authorized to execute amendments to the agreement to modify the agreement’s terms and/or services, so long as the modified term(s) and/or services is/are within the current or revised fiscal provisions.
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BACKGROUND:
The Coyote Point Recreation Area (“Coyote Point”) is a 149-acre County owned and operated park that is located in the City of San Mateo. The park includes three playgrounds, a segment of the Bay Trail, a beach, picnic and reservation areas, lawns for free play, multiple launch points for water sports, walking trails, and a marina. Coyote Point serves as both a local park and regional destination, hosting approximately 530,000 visitors a year, many of which are families and kids.
One of Coyote Point’s most popular amenities, the Magic Mountain Playground, was constructed in 2006 and has reached the end of its useful life and requires replacement to ensure continued safety, accessibility, and functionality.
The Coyote Point Playground Replacement Project (“Project”) will provide a modern, safe, and inclusive playground that meets current safety standards and reflects community needs. As Coyote Point’s main playground has historically served as the flagship playground for the County parks system, it is critical that the new playground serves the broadest range of users, reflects contemporary trends in playground designs, and meets the Department’s goal of providing services most desired by the public. In addition to replacing the playground structure, the Project includes improvements to the surrounding areas to enhance circulation, accessibility, and overall user experience.
To design and construct the Project, he Parks Department (the “Department”) elected to use the Design-Build delivery method pursuant to California Public Contract Code section 22160 et seq., which allows for a streamlined project delivery process by integrating design and construction services under a single contract. This method promotes collaboration, cost certainty, and schedule efficiency.
Funding for the Project will come in part from Measure K, the half-cent general sales tax initially approved by San Mateo County voters in November 2012 and extended in November 2016 for a total of thirty years. By adopting the instant resolution, the Board of Supervisors endorses the use of Measure K funds for this purpose.
DISCUSSION:
On May 23, 2025, the Department opened the first round of public surveying to understand what features and experiences the public most desires from the new playground. The Department used this information to draft the design criteria for a Design Build Entity to design and construct a playground.
This vendor for the project was selected through a publicly advertised solicitation process administered by Capital Program Management. An initial Request for Qualifications resulted in three respondents being shortlisted and invited to participate in a subsequent Request for Proposals. Two firms submitted proposals, which were reviewed by a panel of Parks Department staff and management. Based on this evaluation, McGuire and Hester (“Design-Builder”) was selected as the vendor for the project.
Pursuant to the proposed agreement, the Design-Builder will be responsible for providing both preconstruction and construction stage services for the Project. During the Preconstruction Stage, the Design-Builder will prepare conceptual, schematic, design development, and 100% construction documents consistent with the County’s Bridging Documents and Project Criteria. The Design-Builder will then collaborate with the Department to validate design concepts, incorporate community input as applicable, and develop a final design within the established budget.
The County retains discretion to review and approve the final design package prior to issuing a Notice to Proceed for construction. Upon issuance of a Notice to Proceed for the Construction Stage, the Design-Builder will procure all materials, equipment, and labor necessary to demolish the existing playground and construct the new playground and related site improvements in accordance with the approved construction documents.
The total Contract Price is $3,800,000, which includes:
• $220,015 for Preconstruction Stage Services
• $3,579,985 for Construction Stage Services
• $200,000 in Owner-controlled construction contingency
The construction contingency is controlled by the County and may only be used with prior County approval. Any unused contingency funds will remain with the County.
Construction is anticipated to commence following completion of design and issuance of a Notice to Proceed, with Substantial Completion required within 237 calendar days of the Construction Stage Notice to Proceed. Construction of the playground is anticipated to commence in spring of 2026 and be completed by end of 2026.
PERFORMANCE MEASURES:
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Description |
Target |
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Procure all materials, equipment, and labor necessary to demolish the existing playground and construct the new playground and related site improvements in accordance with the approved construction documents. |
100% Complete |
The County Attorney’s Office has reviewed and approved the agreement with Design-Builder and proposed resolution as to form.
COMMUNITY IMPACT:
Coyote Point serves residents throughout San Mateo County and is a key recreational asset within the County Parks system. Replacement of the aging playground will enhance public safety, improve accessibility, and provide updated recreational amenities for children and families. The new playground and surrounding improvements will support outdoor recreation, encourage active play, and improve the overall park experience for visitors.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The Project is funded through a combination of federal funds and County Measure K dollars, including $1,000,000 in federal Community Project Funding (“CPF”) appropriated under the Consolidated Appropriations Act. The Agreement is for an amount not to exceed $3,800,000, which includes design services, construction services, and a $200,000 Owner-controlled contingency.
Sufficient appropriations are included in the Parks Department’s FY 2025-26 Adopted Budget and will be included in future budgets. There is no Net County Cost associated with approving the recommendation.