BACKGROUND:
In December 2021, California State Parks awarded Cathedral City $8,498,000 of Statewide Park Program (SPP) Round 4 grant funds for the Dream Homes Park Project.
Following the notice of award, in February 2022, the City received authorization from California State Parks to proceed with the design and construction of the Project.
In March 2022, MVR Consulting was awarded a Task Order to provide Grant and Project support services to ensure all SPP grant requirements are met and assist in delivering the project within the accelerated schedule as the SPP grant requires the Dream Homes Park should be designed and built meeting all grant requirements by March 31, 2025, and open to the public by the end of June 2025.
The Dream Homes Park Project concept plan was completed by the Dream Homes Community as part of the State Parks Grant process. With the concept plan completed, the Project was ready to move onto the design phase. In May 2022, Cathedral City issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) for professional landscape architect, design, and engineering services to prepare final design and engineering plans, contract bid documents, and technical oversight during construction of the Dream Homes Park. In June 2022, Verde Design, Inc. was awarded a Design Professional Services Agreement for Professional Landscape Architect, Design, and Engineering Services of the Dream Homes Park.
DISCUSSION:
With the designer selected, the Project has entered the engineering design phase.
Since the design kick off meeting in July 2022, City Staff, MVR Consulting, and Verde Design, Inc. continue to hold meetings and discussions to address design questions and meet Project milestones.
The engineering design of the park incorporates park amenities and features as described in the conceptual plan submitted as part of the grant application. These park amenities and features are as follows:
•Central Plaza and Drop Off Zone.
•Children’s Play Areas and Equipment.
•Shaded Picnic and Barbeque Areas.
•Shaded Outdoor Fitness Area.
•Restroom/Storage Building.
•Multi-Use Field/Play Lawn.
•Soccer Fields.
•Futsal Field.
•Basketball Courts.
•Large and Small Dog Park.
•CV Link Connection.
•Parking Lots.
•Lighting.
•Drought-Tolerant Landscaping and Trees.
A copy of the Dream Homes Park conceptual plan is attached to this report for reference.
The Engineering Staff continues to monitor all items related to the Project, from both the design and grant side of the Project with each and sometimes both respective consultants. The Engineering Staff is also working with the Public Works Staff for their review and comments for all things related to park maintenance and repair (irrigation systems, landscape, etc.) to ensure continuity amongst the City parks and provide timely repairs when needed.
The Engineering Staff have also held a community update meeting for the Dream Homes neighborhood on September 29, 2022 at the Agua Caliente Elementary School and presented a Project update to the Parks and Community Events Commission (PACE) at their February 2023 meeting.
Verde Design, Inc. has managed the completion of the topographic survey and soils report for the Project. In January 2023, Verde Design, Inc. submitted the 50% Plans, Specifications and Estimate (PS&E) for the Project to City Engineering Staff.
Engineering and Public Work Staff have reviewed the PS&E and have recently returned the plans with comments and items that need to be incorporated in the design for the next submittal, which is the 95% PS&E.
Verde Design, Inc. will provide a presentation update on the Dream Homes Park Project, its amenities, and features at this City Council Study Session Meeting for City Council information.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no fiscal impact for this Study Session meeting. At a later date, staff will return for another update and request approval for the direct purchasing of long lead item park amenities and accoutrements.