Agenda Item Wording:
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Approval and appropriation of the Harrell Family Trust donation for the proposed enhancement project at Harrell Grove Park, to include the addition of outdoor fitness equipment and irrigation improvements.
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Deadline for Action: 5/1/2023
Submitting Department: Community Services
Contact Name and Phone Number: Alvin Dias, Parks and Facilities Manager 713-4564; alvin.dias@visalia.city Kelli Kincaid, Community Services Director 713-4042; kelli.kincaid@visalia.city
Department Recommendation:
Staff recommends that the City Council accept the recommendation by the Visalia Parks and Recreation Commission and appropriate the $48,250.00 Harrell Family Trust Donation and create a Capital Improvement Project (CIP) to enhance Harrell Grove Park which includes the addition of outdoor fitness equipment and irrigation improvements.
Background Discussion:
The City of Visalia received a monetary donation of $48,250.00 from the Harrell Family in March 2022. This donation was designated to be used by the Parks and Recreation Department to continue to provide parks and green spaces throughout the City of Visalia.
Staff met to identify areas that would benefit the most from the donated funds, several areas were considered, before staff identified Harrell Grove. The City had received funds from the Harrell Family for construction of the park several years ago. The recent donation will be used to enhance the space. The original irrigation system that was installed during construction has been damaged by the growth of many of the trees installed. Over the last few years, staff has recognized that the now large established trees were not receiving efficient water. This has been even more damaging to the trees after several years of drought, as the trees have become more dependent on the irrigation system to survive. Another area of the park where funds could help improve are the amenities. Ha...
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