Report Prepared by: Christopher Jensen, Director, Parks & Community Services
Title
SUBJECT: Update on General Vang Pao Park Site Master Plan and Timeline
REPORT IN BRIEF
Update on park plan development, phased construction plan, area of focus for phase 1 and project timeline.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Information Only.
Body
DISCUSSION
History of General Vang Pao Park Development
As part of the Bellevue Ranch development three areas were designated as park sites., At the time, park zone fees were reduced in an effort to encourage as much development as possible during the recession in addition, Park impact fees were low and did not increase until recently. As a result, the City collected minimal fees associated with the development of these parks.
The Parks & Community Services Department worked with the Recreation & Parks Commission to name the site on the corner of Cardella Road and Freemark Ave. The community was significantly involved including several local leaders of the Hmong community who petitioned the City to consider naming a park after a significant historical figure in the Hmong community, General Vang Pao. At the conclusion of the Public Hearing to consider application for naming the park it was decided to name the site General Vang Pao Park and commit the site to include an all-inclusive themed playground named Aletha June. The site would be home to the first park in the United States named after the historical Hmong community leader.
The City applied for several rounds of Proposition 68 funding to assist with the sites development but was unsuccessful in each attempt. In 2022, the Parks & Community Services Department was awarded $700,000 for the development of two new playgrounds in Merced, one at Community Park 42 and one at General Vang Pao Park, through the First 5 of Merced County Safe Play Initiative.
The development of the Park Site Master Plan including construction ready design of Aletha June Playground was awarded to Melton Design Group in August 2024. Staff from Parks & Community Services and Melton Design Group held two community meetings, one with the original committee members from the Hmong community who petitioned the City to name the park site and another for residents living within the immediate area of the park and the community at large. Both were well attended and generated significant concepts and priorities for the site plan.
Proposed Park Master Plan Draft & Phase 1 Timeline- Melton Design Group
The park will consist of three or more phases. We will be focusing on completing the first phase with the $1.2 million funding that has been allotted. The main objective is to create a monument honoring General Vang Pao, add an all-inclusive playground in honor of Aletha June and to improve accessibility through the site.
Phase I includes the following elements with alternates:
- All-Inclusive Playground, Aletha June
o Natural theming
o 5-12 Big kid structure
o 2-5 Tot play structure
o Swings
o natural climbing logs & boulders
o engineered wood fiber fall material with pour-in-place surfacing sections for accessibility
- General Vang Pao Monument
o Plaza with seating
o General Vang Pao Monument
o Donor recognition
- Gravel Parking lot w/ maintenance path access
- Connective walking paths
- Site furnishings, picnic areas
- Monument signs
- Interpretive panels
- Terraced planters on slope
- No-mow turf on slope, erosion control
- Split rail fence at toe of slope, access control
- Shade trees and native planting
Alternates:
- Group picnic shade structure
- Asphalt parking lot
- Labyrinth/reflexology area
- Sloped play area, On-grade slide
- Art elements
The timeline for Phase I includes construction starting in Winter 2025 & completion of Phase1 in Spring 2026.
Park Plan Showcase- May 2025
During the community planning meetings, the Parks & Community Services was encouraged to time the groundbreaking of Phase 1 development with the 50-year celebration of Hmong arrival to the United States. Staff are working with the Merced Hmong 50 Committee to ensure there is a significant representation of local efforts at General Vang Pao Park to honor Hmong culture in Merced.
ATTACHMENTS
1. General Vang Pao Park Development Presentation