The gist
The park will receive two new baseball fields, one softball field, two asphalt parking lots, concrete walking trails, restrooms and concessions facilities, according to city documents.
Funding for the project stems from a 2020 bond proposition, when voters approved the issuance of $42.3 million to go to parks and recreation projects, including phase two of 1849 Park. Construction is anticipated to take roughly 10 months to complete.
What else?
City Council also approved the purchase of new lighting from Musco Sports Lighting in the amount of $998,700.
The lighting will be installed in 1849 Park’s existing football fields and parking areas as well as the new fields to be built as part of phase two. The cost, which will also be funded by the 2020 bond package, includes materials, but not the installation of the lights.
How we got here
The latest projects at 1849 Parks come as the city has taken steps in recent years to improve its public spaces. Last year, City Council adopted its 10-year Parks, Recreation and Open Space Master Plan, which includes nearly 30 goals and objectives for the city to upgrade its parks.
The city has also seen an increase in annual park visitors in the last several years, with the number of guests at 1849 Park going from 44,000 in fiscal year 2018-19 to nearly 150,000 in FY 2021-22.
