CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT
DATE: MAY 12, 2026 CONSENT CALENDAR
SUBJECT: ACCEPTANCE OF THE DOWNTOWN PARK FOUNTAIN SPLASHPAD
RENOVATION
FROM: Scott C. Stiles, City Manager
BY: David McAbee, Director of Public Works
SUMMARY:
Formal City Council acceptance of the Downtown Park Fountain Splashpad Renovation Project ("Project") is required to document the completion of public works improvements and to authorize the filing of a Notice of Completion with the Riverside County Recorder in accordance with Section 9200 of the California Civil Code.
The Project provided for the comprehensive repair and renovation of the existing spray ground system at Downtown Park, including demolition, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and control system upgrades, as part of City Project No. 15-07.
RECOMMENDATION:
1. Accept the public works improvement known as the Downtown Park Fountain Splashpad Renovation Project, as completed in accordance with the Construction Contract; and
2. Authorize the Director of Public Works to execute and file for recordation with the Riverside County Recorder a Notice of Completion for the Downtown Park Fountain Splashpad Renovation Project.
BUSINESS PRINCIPAL DISCLOSURE:
According to the Public Integrity Disclosure form (Attachment B), California Waters Development Inc, dba California Waters, is a corporation registered in the state of California.
BACKGROUND:
The City of Palm Springs completed a competitive bid process for the comprehensive repair and renovation of the spray ground system at Downtown Park, as part of City Project No. 15-07. The existing system was nonfunctional and required replacement of
City Council Staff Report
May 12, 2026 – Page 2
Acceptance of the Downtown Park Fountain Splashpad Renovation key components to restore safe and reliable operation. The scope of work, based on plans prepared by Aquatic Studio, Inc. dated February 19, 2025, included demolition, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and control system upgrades. Specific improvements involved pump and filter replacements, chemical feed and storage systems, control panel modifications, system programming, and safety enhancements.
This renovation follows the City's prior challenges with the original construction phase of City Project No. 15-07, for which the City initiated bond enforcement procedures to recover costs and facilitate project completion.
The current spray ground renovation project addressed the unresolved deficiencies from the original contract and establishes a long-term, functional solution. It reflects the City's ongoing commitment to completing and maintaining the Downtown Park as a safe, vibrant, and high-quality public space for residents and visitors alike.
STAFF ANALYSIS:
Construction of the Project began July 10, 2025, and was determined to be substantially complete on April 2, 2026.
The Fountain Splashpad is operational and has been accepted for public use. Acceptance of the improvements will allow Public Works to file a Notice of Completion with the County Recorder, formally closing out the contract and releasing retention in accordance with California Civil Code § 9200.
Staff recommends that City Council accept the Project as required by Section 9200 of the California Civil Code and authorize the Director of Public Works to file and record a Notice of Completion to be submitted to the County. A copy of the Notice of Completion is included as Attachment A.
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT:
The Project is categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA") pursuant to State CEQA Guidelines Section 15301, "Existing Facilities" (Class 1). Class 1 projects consist of the operation, repair, maintenance, permitting, leasing, licensing, or minor alteration of existing public or private structures, facilities, mechanical equipment, or topographical features involving negligible or no expansion of use beyond that existing at the time of the lead agency's determination. The renovation and replacement of the existing spray ground system at Downtown Park constitutes repair and maintenance of an existing public facility and is therefore categorically exempt from CEQA. A Notice of Exemption was previously filed with the Riverside County Clerk in connection with the award of the construction contract.
ALIGNMENT WITH STRATEGIC PLANNING:
City Council Staff Report
May 12, 2026 – Page 3
Acceptance of the Downtown Park Fountain Splashpad Renovation This item aligns with the following City Council Strategic Plan Broad Goal: Infrastructure and Facilities.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The City is holding retention funds in the amount of $27,159.29 for California Waters Development Inc., pending acceptance of improvements and filing the Notice of Completion with the County Recorder's Office.
The original construction contract (Contract No. 25B168) was approved by the City Council on June 25, 2025, in the amount of $520,514.75. During the course of construction, eight (8) project change orders were processed totaling $42,592 resulting in a final construction cost of $563,106.75.
REVIEWED BY:
Assistant Director of Public Works: Daniel Martinez
Director of Public Works: David McAbee
Assistant City Manager: Teresa Gallavan
City Manager: Scott Stiles
ATTACHMENTS:
A. Notice of Completion
B. Public Integrity Disclosure
C. Contract No. 25B186
D. Contract Change Orders 1 – 8