Washington Park Community House Project Could Gain More Support This Week

City staff is recommending the Recreation and Parks Commission support the conceptual plan for the Washington Park Community House and Restroom Project.

“With the Recreation and Parks Commissions support of the design concept, staff will continue to develop the design documents and to seek the appropriate approvals, support and endorsement from the various commissions, stakeholder groups and agencies,” according to a city staff report.  

The conceptual plan, part of the 2004 Washington Park Master Plan, includes the 2,000-square foot Community House to be located adjacent to the park’s existing parking lot on Washington Boulevard. Per the master plan, the house includes a multipurpose room, space for recreation staff, park storage, and a new restroom to replace the existing undersized and deteriorated restroom facility. The master plan also provides for a reduction in the existing parking lot to accommodate the Community House site.

The city is hoping to produce a multipurpose and flexible space with modern technology for community gatherings with an architectural style that reflects the history and culture of the community. The city is hoping to create a “seamless flow” between the indoor space and the outdoor environment with a connection to the landscape.

The project is expected to cost $2.2 million based on the current conceptual design. So far, $700,000 has been appropriated for construction, with residential impact fees able to cover the remaining funding needs.

The project is scheduled to go before the Historic Preservation Commission next week and then will go before Design Commission in December. A community meeting is scheduled for December.

Construction is expected to begin in the spring.