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- Park Improvements/
- Completed Park Projects/
- Merced Heights Playground Lower Lawn Terrace Renovation/
Merced Heights Playground Lower Lawn Terrace Renovation
Completed and Opened to the Public May 19, 2023!
Scope of Work
We installed a new plaza, pathway, seating, natural lawn and separate synthetic turf dog play area, plantings, and adult exercise equipment. The project included an upgraded, accessible entrance at the field level on Shields Street, as well as accessibility improvements between the lower lawn entrance and Byxbee Street side playground entrance. The site now features a tile mosaic on the wall above the plaza that recognizes specific community members who have invested a lot of time over many years, caring for the park and advocating for its renovation.
Funding
Total project budget: $ 1,670,000 , including:
- $1,329,000 Local Assistance State Grant
- $291,000 General Fund
- $50K 2012 Bond Forestry Program
The construction contract award for this project was approved by Recreation and Parks Commission on February 17, 2022 ( PDF ); Recreation and Parks Commission approved a contract amendment on October 12, 2023 ( PDF ). This construction contract award obtained and complies with all city, state, and federal regulatory approvals, including any that are specific to this project’s funding sources.
Project Schedule
Phase | Timeline |
---|---|
Planning | Spring 2019 |
Design | Spring 2021 |
Construction contract awarded | February 6, 2019 |
Construction | Spring 2022 |
Open to the Public | May 19, 2023 |
Get Out and Play!
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You can also explore Rec and Park volunteer opportunities – We have park needs in every corner of the city and volunteer opportunities that are as diverse as your interests, skills, and abilities. Have fun in your parks, and get out and play!
Project Updates
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DAY AND NIGHT WORK REMINDER: Sewer and construction work will be continuous for 48 hours from August 11-13. This includes two evenings of night work (August 11 & 12). The contractor will Read on…
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NOTICE OF WEEKEND WORK: There will be on-site construction work this Saturday. The contractor will follow all noise ordinance requirements. DAY AND NIGHT WORK REMINDER: Sewer and construction work will be continuous for 48 hours from August 11-13. This Read on…
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REMINDER! The second survey is open now through July 29. Public spaces are for everyone, and your input is essential to ensure the project reflects the needs and priorities of the wide range of users that will utilize this area. Please share your Read on…
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Construction Advisory: Please be advised that the Friend Gate (North Entrance) will close for over a month beginning Monday, July 21, 2025. Please use Main Gate entrance at 9th Avenue. This work at the Friend Gate is “Phase 2” of the Read on…
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Notice of Night Work: Please be advised that there will be 48 hours of continuous construction activity from July 22, 7 a.m. to July 24, 7 a.m. Cured-in-place lining work will be completed on the sewer between Fulton and McAllister on Read on…
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Demolition and utility work are currently underway. Storm drainage work is moving forward. We’re also managing our orders of materials with long-lead times, such as ADA signage and glass doors, to keep the project on track. We’re still on pace to Read on…
Documents and Materials
Commission Materials
- Rec and Park Commission, staff report, March 3, 2021 (PDF)
- Rec and Park Commission, staff report, Merced Heights Playground Renovation – Construction Contract Award, February 6, 2019 (PDF)
Community Meetings - Notes and Presentations
- Herz Playground Community Meeting #2, February 2021 (PDF)
- Herz Playground Community Meeting #1, November 2019 (PDF)
Additional Project Documents