Neighborhood families will soon see a major makeover at Beechnut Park. On Feb. 24, the Hercules City Council voted 4-0 to move forward with the final design plans for the six-acre park located between Refugio Valley Road, Beechnut Drive, and Coronado Street.
The city approved an $84,534 contract update with the design firm Gates and Associates. This brings the total design cost to $136,329. The money covers the final blueprints for new play equipment, better irrigation and new trees. Funding for the project comes from state and regional grants as well as city park fees.
Public Works Director Glenn Dombeck said the park currently has very little to offer. The existing swings and sand areas are old and do not meet modern disability access standards. Many of the trees are also in poor health or dying.
Planned improvements include removal of the old swing set and worn-out ground surfaces and replacing them with a new play area for children ages 5-12. A “cyclone” climber, new swings and an accessible ramp will be installed, along with new picnic tables, benches and fresh landscaping.
The city chose this specific design after asking for resident feedback.
The city aims to hire a construction company in August and to begin work in September. The goal is to have the new park ready for use by the end of the year.