Stephen
Leonard Park
Youth Center
An investment in the Community of South Merced
History
Served the Community of South
Merced through services offered by
Parks & Community Services, the
Boys and Girls Club and several
additional local youth serving orgs
Rests in Stephen Leonard Park,
home to Merced’s biggest splash
pad, a small skate park, and
community playground with
restrooms
Historical view of
set up prior to fire
Account of Damages
• In early 2022 the roof of the facility caught fire
• The fire started on the roof and quickly moved into the attic and ventilation system causing significant damage both externally and internally
• Building was immediately deemed unusable
Account of Damages
• The City spent several months mitigating additional damages and ongoing negotiations with the insurance adjusters to develop construction bids • Between the claims submitted and the work being contracted the site suffered ongoing vandalism and additional damages.
• In fall of 2024 the bid was awarded to Diede Construction and restoration began Account of Damages
Work required included:
• Fire Damage (all covered by insurance)
• Code Upgrades (most but not all covered by
insurance)
• Vandalism (only about half covered by insurance)
Account of Repairs
In January 2025 work began to complete
• Roofing
• Fire sprinklers
• Ventilation
Account of Repairs
• Exterior roofing repairs
Account of Repairs
• During repairs, additional work was determined to
be required to ensure the safety, security, and
utility of the facility
Account of Repairs
• Facia enclosing entire sofit had to be replaced due
to extensive dry rot
Large Conference Room Large Activity Room
• In February work began on the interior including
electrical, ADA compliant modifications and paint
• Exterior work including Park restroom renovations and window installation have continued to progress
PRIORITIZED ADDITIONAL UPGRADES
ADDING SAFETY , SECURITY , AND VALUE TO STEPHEN LEONARD YOUTH CENTER Upgrading Flooring- $7,000
• Flooring was cleaned and prepped but found to be unfit for multipurpose use. Budget request would allow for leveling and adding commercial coating universally across facility.
ADA Parking in front of Youth Center
on 7th St- $45,000
• The Parks & Community Services Department will release a Request For Interest for local agencies and organizations that would like to expand programing to the Stephen Leonard Neighborhood. ADA parking will expand the potential offerings and accessibility to all in the area.
Front Entry Foyer- $100,000
• Currently the configuration of the building entry adds little value and is unwelcoming. A formal entrance would serve as a check point for entry and exit from the facility allowing for controlled entry based on use (i.e. meetings, children’s activities, or appointments with staff).
• Install internet capability and security camera on
facility
Internet and Security Cameras- $46,000
Kitchen Cabinets and Countertops- $40,000
Existing Kitchen does not
provide utility for
community center
operation
Replace barn doors with architectural
security screens- $40,000
Example at
Merced Heart
Associates
TOTAL ASK FOR PRIORITIZED
ADDITIONAL UPGRADES- $350,929
• Northstar Engineering- 20,000
• Flooring- 7,000
• ADA Parking- 45,000
• Front Entry Foyer- 100,000
• Camera and Internet- 45,000
• Kitchen Cabinets and Countertops- 40,000
• Security Window Treatments in replace of Barn Doors- 40,000 $350,000- Currently available in General Fund Allocation for South Merced Investment
POTENTIAL ADDITIONAL UPGRADES
FOR CONSIDERATION
• Graffiti Coating exterior- 6,737
• Center Room Divider- 29,000
• Upgrade to Sternberg Park Standard Lighting- 80,000
• Convert storage room to office space- 37,625
• Total of $154,291
$154,291 Currently available in Economic Development
* Special thanks to Economic Development for acknowledging the investment in Parks and Recreation as an economic development strategy Graffiti Coating on Exterior Paint- $6,737
Open Space Room Dividers - $29,000
• Separating the open spaces for various program operations will help diversify the programming that takes place within the facility. Room dividers provide the opportunity to add additional space or isolate for specific programming Park Lighting- $80,000
• Replace old dysfunctional pole lights throughout park with upgraded, park standard, Sternberg lighting
Converting Storage Room to Office
Space- $37,625
THANK YOU FOR YOUR
CONSIDERATION