RESOURCE MANAGEMENT AGENCY – M. CHAMBLESS, INTERIM RMA DIRECTOR 

Discussion on Construction Phasing determination for the Riverview Regional Park and provide staff direction.

SBC FILE NUMBER: 93

Riverview Regional Park is progressing towards completion. Many years in the planning, the 70-acre Regional Park Project, once completed, will provide opportunities for residents to explore, learn, and enjoy open spaces for many years to come. Staff’s goal has been to design for multiple uses while, at the same time, protecting the habitat and spending park dollars wisely. County staff collected 261 survey responses about parks this May. Over 90% of the respondents felt natural open spaces are important to mental and physical health. Over 75% of the respondents indicated they use parks to enjoy the outdoors and nature, preferring to bike and walk. To this end, the Park is designed to be an anchor for the River Trail destined to follow the course of the San Benito River throughout our County. County staff are pursuing an aggressive timeline for improvements. Engineers from the Wallace Group are designing the parking area and a handicap-accessible path into the facility. A bid package will be presented to the Board of Supervisors in December to begin construction of these amenities immediately. Upon completion of community outreach, staff developed a preliminary design to present to the Park Commission and Board of Supervisors in late summer. With their approval of the concept plans, staff has prepared a proposed phasing plan for the completion of the project.