Special Notice / Hearing: None__
Vote Required: Majority
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: Nicholas J. Calderon, Director of Parks
Ann M. Stillman, Director of Public Works
Subject: Realize Flood Park Project - Phase One
(County Project No. P30W1; Project File No. E5041)
RECOMMENDATION:
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Adopt a resolution authorizing:
A) The Director of Public Works to proceed with finalizing the plans and specifications for the Realize Flood Park Project - Phase One; and
B) The Director of Public Works to proceed with advertising for bids on the Realize Flood Park Project - Phase One and report back to this Board with recommendations on awarding a contract.
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BACKGROUND:
Flood County Park (“Flood Park”) is a 21-acre County-owned and operated park located in the City of Menlo Park. Founded in 1937, Flood Park has served the recreational needs of residents of southern San Mateo County for 85 years. Although Flood Park was a thriving public resource for much of its existence, in recent decades, park facilities have deteriorated. Today, Flood Park consists of a playground, sand volleyball courts, baseball and softball fields (unusable due to poor condition), picnic/reservation sites, tennis courts (unusable due to poor condition), and open grassy fields with mature trees. Flood Park serves as a major recreation resource for many residents of Menlo Park, North Fair Oaks, and East Palo Alto.
In 2014, the San Mateo County Parks Department (“Department”) assessed the condition of Flood Park’s amenities and determined that a complete overhaul was warranted. This led to the creation of the Realize Flood Park Project (“Project”), a multi-year public engagement process that led to the development of the Landscape Plan and Final Revised Environmental Impact Report (“EIR”).
On November 10, 2020, this Board adopted Resolution No. 077827, which: 1) approved the 2020 Flood County Park Landscape Plan, 2) certified the Flood County Park Landscape Plan’s Final Revised EIR and Errata, 3) adopted the California Environmental Quality Act Findings of Facts and a Statement of Overriding Consideration, and 4) adopted the Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Plan. On July 26, 2022, this Board adopted revisions to the 2020 Flood County Park Landscape Plan by way of Resolution No. 079047 and directed the Department to prepare project design plans based on the Final Revised Landscape Plan (Attachment 1).
On July 20, 2021, this Board adopted Resolution No. 078335, which authorized the Agreement with CMG Landscape Architecture (CMG), for the professional services required to design and permit the Realize Flood Park Project (Project), for an amount not to exceed $1,892,710.
DISCUSSION:
Analysis of the feedback received during the Project’s robust, multi-year public engagement process determined that people use Flood Park to exercise, be in nature, and gather and play with family and friends. Participants in the public engagement process prioritized preservation of heritage trees and the heart of the park’s oak woodland, as well as expansion of active recreation facilities and uses.
After performing a cost analysis and based on available funding and permitting requirements, it was determined that the Project will be implemented in three phases. The phases are structed as follows:
- Phase One will include construction of the small multi-use sport field, tennis/pickleball courts, sand volleyball courts, a basketball court, picnic and reservation areas, walking paths, utility infrastructure, renovation of a restroom, and the northern parking lot. The pump track is also included in Phase One, but will proceed through a separate design-build process initiated in 2023.
- Phase Two will include the all-abilities playground, large multi-use sport field, baseball field, central gathering area and play space, amphitheater, other picnic areas, restrooms, and fitness stations.
- Phase Three will include structural modifications to the adobe administration building, planting and demonstration gardens, interpretive elements, and public art.
The Parks Department recommends that the Board authorize the Department of Public Works to proceed with finalizing the plans and specifications for Phase One and call for bids for Phase One to ensure construction can begin during the 2023 construction season. CMG is working to finalize the construction documents for bid, which, once received, will allow the Department of Public Works to move forward with advertising for bids for Phase One. This Board has previously approved the use of this “streamlined” process to shorten the time required to award a contract in order to maximize use of the construction season. In a subsequent Board action, the Department of Public Works will present the plans and specifications for this Board’s adoption and recommend awarding Phase One to the lowest responsible bidder.
County Attorney has reviewed and approved the resolution as to form.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Funds from the Parks and Marina Projects - Park Capital Projects Fund (3990B) have been allocated in the Capital Projects FY 2022-23 Adopted Budget for this Project.