At the most recent ARD Board meeting, we approved the proposed project list for FY 08/09. I thought some might be interested in what ARD staff is planning. Take a look.

RECREATION PARK

•There are plans for a pathway around the entire park similar to the ones at Regional and Meadow Vista Parks. As the first step in this process, ARD will be seeking bids for the architectural planning of the pathway and the CEQA.

•Consideration is being given to a plan to “rotate” Recreation Field (baseball diamond) thus allowing the extension of the outfield fences so as to use the field for a “higher level” of play. ARD will be seeking bids for the design and planning of this effort.

•A retaining wall at Beggs field will be replaced.

REGIONAL PARK

•The four existing tennis courts which are badly cracked and eroding will be extensively renovated with a new overlay applied.

•A small amount of fence repair/landscaping will occur at the soccer field.

RAILHEAD PARK

•The parking lot will be expanded and approximately 29 new spaces will be added.

•The entire parking lot will be resealed and re-striped.

•There are plans for a third (smaller scale) soccer field (Field C). ARD will be initiating planning and preparing the CEQA for this effort. (Approval of this project must also be received from USBR.)

OVERLOOK PARK

•In an effort to encourage more community involvement in the area, ARD is seeking to develop a master plan for the park that might include such things as Bocce Ball courts, a BMX track, and extensive landscaping. ARD will be seeking bids for the design of the master plan. We also anticipate holding a public hearing to ask for input from the community on this design. (Approval of this project must also be received from USBR.)

MEADOW VISTA PARK

•A small project is planned to improve the picnic unit shelters and add some sizable trees to the pond area to provide additional shaded areas.

MOUNT VERNON PARK

•This is currently an unimproved park close to the intersection of Mt Vernon Road and Nevada Street. The project will include leveling of some areas, adding a walking path, some benches and tables.

ASHFORD PARK

•The parking lot will be resealed and re-striped.

•Ashley Memorial Dog Park Phase II which includes waterlines, drainage, kiosk and a water feature among other items will be completed.

•There are plans for a pathway around the front half of the park similar to the ones at Regional and Meadow Vista Parks. ARD will be seeking bids for the architectural planning of the pathway, the CEQA, and starting construction.

FAIRGROUNDS (Recreation Field)

•A small project is planned to extend “foul ball” protection on Field A.

•There is also a small project planned to complete the dugouts at Field A.

So there you have it. Watch for things to be happening at ARD this next fiscal year.

Curt Smith

Auburn, California