Clemmens Lane Park shade structure contract authorized

The San Diego County Board of Supervisors authorized the advertisement for bid and subsequent award of a construction contract to provide shade structures at Clemmens Lane Park.

The supervisors’ 5-0 vote June 25 authorizes the director of the county’s Department of Purchasing and Contracting to take the necessary actions for a contract to construct the improvements while finding that the project is categorically exempt from California Environmental Quality Act review.

The project will erect support poles and canvas sails which will provide shade for the tot lot and junior playground areas. “These new shade structures will be a welcome addition to the park and allow local children to use the playground any time of day and any day of the year,” said Supervisor Bill Horn.

Clemmens Lane Park opened in 2009. The half-acre park includes a picnic plaza, barbecues, a synthetic turf soccer field, and a sand volleyball court in addition to the playgrounds.

The Neighborhood Reinvestment Program is intended to provide grants to non-profit organizations for the furtherance of public purposes at the regional and community levels. In addition to non-profit organizations, county supervisors can also fund schools and fire departments, and supervisors can also use money from their budgets to supplement other county funding for specific county projects such as parks, roads, and libraries.

Each county supervisor recommends the allocation of his or her Neighborhood Reinvestment Program funds, although those allocations must be approved by a majority of the board.

In June 2013, Horn provided $75,000 from his 2013-14 Neighborhood Reinvestment Program budget for the shade structure, and the supervisors’ approval also appropriated that money into the county’s capital outlay fund for the park project. The cost of the construction contract, including contingency, is estimated at $60,000. The remaining $15,000 will be used for project design, inspection services, construction management, and project administration.

The construction is expected to begin in fall 2014 and be completed in winter 2015. Once the improvements are completed the operations and maintenance of the facilities will be provided by existing Department of Parks and Recreation staff.