CITY OF COMMERCE AGENDA REPORT
TO: Honorable City Council
FROM: City Manager
SUBJECT: Approval of Concept Plan for the Pocket Park Located on Gage Avenue and Zindell Avenue MEETING DATE: April 28, 2026
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends that City Council:
Receive and file a presentation on the proposed Concept Plan for the Pocket Park located at Gage Avenue and Zindell Avenue; and Approve the Concept Plan for the Pocket Park Project and authorize staff to proceed with the preparation of Plans, Specifications, and Estimate (PS&E).
BACKGROUND:
The City of Commerce is planning the development of a new Pocket Park on a currently vacant parcel located at the corner of Gage Avenue and Zindell Avenue. The proposed Pocket Park is intended to provide recreational amenities and open space within the Veterans Neighborhood, which currently lacks accessible park facilities due to the closure of Veterans Memorial Park.
On October 23, 2025, the City issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) seeking qualified consulting firms to provide professional design services for the preparation of PS&E package for the Pocket Park Project. The scope of work includes development of the concept plan, landscaping, architectural, civil engineering, lighting, and security design plans, as well as coordination with utilities, stakeholders, community outreach, preparation of environmental documents and a bid-ready PS&E package.
Following a competitive selection process, on February 10, 2026, the City Council approved a professional services agreement with John G. Cataldo, A.I.A., C.S.I. Architect Inc.
ANALYSIS:
As part of the development of the Concept Plan, on March 26, 2026, an in-person community outreach meeting was conducted, approximately 95 people attended the meeting. Besides the community meeting a separate community survey was also conducted, seventy-four (74) survey responses were collected (64 online and 10 hard copies). The community feedback provided valuable input for the project design.
Community feedback identified the following key priorities:
Playground with shade, open lawn space, and picnic areas.
Strong emphasis on safety and lighting.
High demand for walking paths, fitness equipment, and group exercise areas.
Support for multi-use sport courts (basketball/pickleball).
Maximize park space by reducing the number of parking spaces.
Majority of users preferred walking to the park, reinforcing the concept of the neighborhood pocket park.
Safety for park patterns by installing a security fence especially on along Gage Avenue.
Based on the community feedback, the following features were included in the concept plan:
Shaded playground as a central feature.
Open lawn and flexible green space.
Picnic areas with shade structures.
Fitness equipment and group exercise areas.
Multi-sport court (basketball/pickleball).
Walking path/loop.
Temporary program trailers with restroom facilities.
Enhanced lighting, visibility, and security features.
Limited parking to maximize recreational space.
Fencing around the Pocket Park.
Safety and security were consistently identified as critical design considerations, with strong community support for fencing, lighting, open visibility, and security measures to ensure a safe and welcoming environment.
Additional community requests related to traffic calming and street improvements were identified but are considered outside the current project scope and are being evaluated separately by the City.
At tonight’s City Council meeting the Design consultant John G. Cataldo will present the proposed Concept Plan reflecting a balance between community priorities, site constraints, and long-term maintenance considerations, and seek the Council input to advance the project into the next phase of design.
ALTERNATIVES:
1. Approve staff recommendation
2. Disapprove of staff recommendation
3. Provide further directions for staff
FISCAL IMPACT:
Funding for the design and preparation of the PS&E for the pocket park was previously appropriated by the City Council on February 10, 2026. Therefore, approval of the recommended action will not result in any additional fiscal impact on the General Fund at this time.
The proposed plan will serve as the basis for advancing the project into design and engineering phase. Any future construction costs and related funding sources will be presented to the City Council for consideration as part of a future budget action and construction contract award.
RELATIONSHIP TO STRATEGIC GOALS:
This agenda item relates to the 2016 Strategic Plan, Community Quality of Life Guiding Principle 4:
Support and evaluate community services, programs and events that promote healthy and quality lifestyles for our residents. Enhance public safety and social services through innovative programs that meet the needs of the residential and business communities.
Recommended by: Shahid Abbas, Director of Public Works
Fiscal Impact reviewed: Alvaro Castellon, Director of Finance Approved as to form by: Noel Tapia, City Attorney
Respectfully submitted by: Ernie Hernandez, City Manager ATTACHMENTS:
Concept Plan