The Vacaville City Council has unanimously approved a master plan for upgrades in the Brown Street/Markham Avenue area and provided input on potential projects for grant funding during Tuesday’s meeting.
This discussion occurred while the city was working on applying for the Statewide Park Development and Community Revitalization Program (SPP), which makes funds from Proposition 68 available for competitive initiatives aimed at creating new parks and recreational opportunities in underserved areas throughout California. Prop. 68 – also known as the Parks, Environment, and Water Bond Act – was approved by California voters in 2018.
<p. As part of this program, Housing Director Emily Cantu presented three possible projects in the Brown/Markham area that the city could pursue grants for: enhancements at Trower Park, redeveloping an unused city-owned property on Brown Street, and the Markham Avenue South Trailhead/Rocky Hill Master Trail Plan.
For the Trower Park project, staff have gathered feedback through surveys and held a virtual community meeting to determine what residents want to see in the park. The most popular suggestions included covered group picnic areas, a splash pad, an upgraded tot lot with more play features, spots for skateboarders, and a flat grassy area.
Regarding the Brown Street project, Cantu mentioned that a draft master site plan is being prepared as part of the city’s capital improvement efforts. This development would include a city building for the Housing Services Department along with shared community meeting spaces and an outdoor public recreation feature.
“When the draft site plan is complete, there will be a thorough public outreach process to gather input on what elements are desired for the outdoor recreation space,” she stated.
The Markham Avenue South Trailhead/Rocky Hill Master Trail Plan aims to continue enhancing this area following years of improvements initiated by the Youth Reach Coalition. The Rocky Hill Trail was finished in 2016 and extended further in 2018. The project will also include a public art piece selected based on community feedback.
<p. Earlier in 2020, Cantu noted that the Youth Reach Coalition collaborated with UC Davis and local residents to create the Rocky Hill Trail Corridor Master Plan. A grant application has already been submitted to implement parts of this plan, with SPP funding intended to finalize work on its southern boundary.
“Together, these community-driven projects form a strategic neighborhood action plan aimed at enhancing public recreational facilities serving this region,” Cantu said.
<p. During that evening's session, council members were asked to approve what is known as the Brown-Markham Neighborhood Public Recreation Improvements Plan along with a resolution to seek SPP funding for one or more of these projects while also instructing staff to explore other funding sources. Cantu indicated that next steps involve continuing collaboration with the city's grants management contractor to identify which applications might be most competitive or whether they should be combined or submitted separately to maximize benefits from available funds.
<p. Councilwoman Dilennas Harris expressed her belief that all three projects are “critically important” for local residents. She highlighted that particularly regarding Brown Street project discussions have evolved over many years since her election to council back in 2008 about how best to utilize space there. With plans involving land exchanges between Solano County and Vacaville underway, she questioned if it was still feasible to incorporate something substantial like a gym into this development.
“Does that negate our ability to put something a little more substantial in that project that would benefit children?” she asked.
<p. Harris also wanted clarity on whether all three projects could potentially receive grant support together. Cantu replied that amenities planned for Brown Street would depend largely on community preferences. She added staff are actively collaborating with grant consultants about presenting these proposals effectively-whether together or separately-to ensure they maximize opportunities within budget constraints without sacrificing quality improvements necessary within their communities.”
<p. Councilman Nolan Sullivan voiced his strong support for all three proposals during his tenure over two years as councilman noting improvements made specifically towards Trower Park because kids living nearby often lack access or means getting around town easily enough accessing other parks elsewhere within their city limits
.“If you think about it-a hot summer day-getting your kid over at Three Oaks swimming pool isn’t practical,” he remarked.” Getting them out towards skateboard park proves equally challenging; therefore some suggested additions directed towards enhancing Trower Park felt very spot-on!”
A resident named Alicia Minyen provided comments highlighting past attempts made previously seeking ways improve upon existing conditions surrounding Brown Street lot stating back when HUD loan was applied way back early year two thousand failed come fruition yet maintains importance prioritizing such initiatives even suggesting utilizing General Fund dollars should needed arise further down line if required do so…
“There’s gotta be some money you can scrounge up give them dream (residents) deserve,” she emphasized.”
Edward Russell another local expressed enthusiasm concerning proposals mentioned but proposed considering utilizing long-term options benefiting community including sustainable gardens sites allowing children build windmills instead typical playground equipment offered saying,” I know children need recreation,” then added “but five years down road probably redoing slide bark let’s make sure utilize funds practically efficient effective manner…”
In response Harris assured audience garden presently exists within vicinity where utilized sustainably over years rather just throw random activity simply place open field maintain ongoing engagements respective activities occurring regularly amongst neighbors henceforth…”
Amber Robitaille lifelong resident near brown street currently running candidacy campaign stated finally , said phrase “long time coming” reflects sentiments neighborhood needing positive changes overall generate real energy locals haven’t experienced long time thus adding value aspect returning vibrancy context there.”
Ultimately council voted five zero approving both master plan resolution thereby moving forward progress enhancing environment making it better serve whole!
In unrelated matters discussed later same evening resulted voting favorably alongside Mayor Ron Rowlett appointing Edith Thomas Ralph Berumen respective positions Solano Commission Women Girls Vacaville Parks Recreation Commission respectively passing unanimously though Sullivan abstained final vote concerning Thomas due unfamiliarity pertaining prior work history before him.
Source link
