City seeks input for parks
CALEXICO — Residents of the Victoria Estates subdivision on Wednesday called for additional basketball courts to be included in the city’s proposed conceptual plan for Cordova Park improvements.
The residents’ requests came during a public hearing organized by the city in preparation of its plan to soon apply for state grants to potentially fund such park improvements.
The conceptual plan for Cordova Park that was unveiled Wednesday included the addition of three baseball fields, one soccer field and one basketball court.
Many of the nearby subdivision’s kids regularly play informal games on portable basketball hoops on city streets that expose then to speeding motorists and raise the ire of residents worried about property damage from errant basketballs, residents said.
They said they would like their children
to instead have a nearby venue to play basketball.
“The city already has many baseball fields but not as many basketball courts,” said Olga Garcia.
In response to her and other Victoria Estates residents’ requests, city officials said that they would consider revising the park’s conceptual plan to reflect their desires.
Wednesday’s meeting at City Hall was hosted by the members of the city’s Parks, Recreation, Beautification, and Senior Services Commission.
The commission is recommending the city apply for up to $8.5 million in individual grants for improvements to Cordova and Heber parks and the Community Center. The conceptual plan for Cordova Park included upgrades totaling about $6 million.
Proposed improvements for Heber Park include the construction of a multipurpose room that could host indoor sports and activities during the summer months, said Lily Falomir, Public Works Department manager.
The MPR would also include classroom space. An outdoor walking/running path, basketball court and onsite parking spaces are being proposed as well.
Nearby resident and City Clerk Gabby Garcia said she would like to see additional lighting installed near the children’s playground to enhance safety.
“The kids can’t play if it’s later at night,” said Garcia, who also indicated support for the overall conceptual plan.
The Community Center’s proposed improvements include the addition of a classroom, renovated kitchen, plumbing and electrical upgrades, as well as renovated carpet, ceiling and flooring, to name a few.
Resident George Flores said he was in support of the center’s proposed improvements and suggested the city consider adding a little opulence so that the venue could also potentially serve as a venue for community members to host large formal gatherings.
A second meeting to further solicit the public’s input is planned at 6:30 p.m. Thursday at the city’s Community Center, located at 707 Dool Ave. Each respective park site and facility also have suggestions boxes where residents can provide their input.
“We have to have all the suggestions before we start making changes,” said Sandra Tauler, Community Services director.
The City Council is expected to authorize the city to apply for the grants at its regular meeting Wednesday, even though conceptual designs are not expected to be finalized by then, Falomir said.
The deadline for the city to submit its grant applications to the state’s Department of Parks and Recreation is Aug. 5. About $254 million in competitive grants will be made available for statewide applicants, Falomir said.
The funding would likely be made available in early 2020, while the proposed park improvements, if funded, wouldn’t likely be completed until about March 2022, she said.