MINUTES OF A SPECIAL MEETING
OF THE BUENA PARK CITY COUNCIL
HELD FEBRUARY 19, 2026
Vol. 55 Pg. 124
1. CALL TO ORDER
The City Council met in a special meeting on Tuesday, February 19, 2026, at 6:00 p.m., in the Community Center, 6688 Beach Boulevard, Buena Park, California, Mayor Traut presiding.
This meeting was conducted concurrently with the Joint Special Meeting of the Community Services and Cultural and Fine Arts Commission.
1 A. CALL TO ORDER
1 B. ROLL CALL
PRESENT: Franco, Sonne, Hoque, Traut
EXCUSED: Ahn
Also present were: Aaron France, City Manager; and Adria M. Vicuria, MMC, Director of Government and Community Relations/City Clerk.
1 C. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Brian Carver, Community Services Commission. 2A. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
It was announced that the public may at this time address the members of the City Council on any matters within the jurisdiction of the City Council. There being none, oral communications was closed.
3. CITY PARK DESIGNS FOR DISTRICT 2 POCKET PARK & FRIENDSHIP PARK
FRIENDSHIP PARK
Jim Box, Director of Community Services, introduced Zachary Mueting, Principal Architect, and Erik Curran, Associate Architect, of RJM Design. Director Box stated that RJM Design would present preliminary design concepts for Friendship Park and the District 2 Pocket Park.
Mr. Mueting presented the preliminary design concepts and renderings for Friendship Park.
Commissioners provided comments regarding several elements of the proposed Friendship Park design, including the location of the workout station, walking path and sidewalk alignment, community art tiles, crosswalk art design, the number and placement of trees, the existing picnic shelter pavilion, welcome lettering along the pathway, playground equipment, park lighting, and the possible installation of security cameras. Additional comments were made regarding the park walkway, traffic s.afety and congestion during school hours, incorporating community input into the design, and potential design measures to prevent birds from nesting on the pavilion. A suggestion was also nnade to include a small library in the park.
Paul Van Berkon, Buena Park resident, commented and asked questions regarding the project cost.
Allan Carmont, Buena Park resident, commented on funding for the park project.
Nayeli Figueroa, Buena Park resident, commented on the proposed color scheme and theme of the park design.
Minutes February 19, 2026 Vol. 55 Pg. 125
DISTRICT 2 POCKET PARK
Mr. Mueting presented the preliminary design concepts and renderings for the District 2 Pocket Park.
Adolfo Bishop, Buena Park resident, commented on the possible inclusion of chess tables, park safety, and park hours.
Robin Russell, Buena Park resident, commented on the bioswale design, plant requirements, and maintenance of the proposed vegetation.
AI Lee, Buena Park resident, commented on the inclusion of chess tables.
Alena (no last name provided), commented on potential involvement of local high school student clubs in utilizing the space and participating in park clean-up activities.
Khemren (no last name provided), commented on the name of the park and suggested the installation of a statue as a gathering feature.
Dominic Bendinelli, Buena Park resident, commented on the proposed use of concrete and gravel and suggested consideration of alternative materials.
Commissioners provided comments regarding several design elements, including the possible addition of a fountain and pocket library, shade structures, lighting, fragrant plant selections, incorporation of community survey feedback, potential future fencing to protect vegetation traffic safety considerations, and educational elements that could be incorporated into the park design.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, Mayor Traut adjourned the meeting at 7:28 p.m.
City Clerk