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...
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