The Avalon City Council has approved a proposal to purchase and develop the Avalon Kids Park, reallocating $177,952 from the city’s Capital Improvement Funds, sourced from Proposition 68, to enhance local park infrastructure. This decision, detailed in a staff report by Community Services Manager David Hart, was part of the council’s Nov. 19, 2024, Consent Calendar and passed without additional discussion.
Initially, in October 2021, the council considered nine projects for the Per Capita Program Funds, approving four: the Joe Machado Field Project, the Lover’s Cove Project, the Front Street Project, and the Kids Park Project. However, unforeseen economic factors, including inflation and increased regulatory compliance costs, rendered the original budgets for the Front Street Shade Sail Project and the expansion of fitness equipment at Kids Park insufficient.
To maximize the grant funds and ensure a high-quality park renovation, staff proposed reallocating funds from the Lover’s Cove Project ($10,640), the Front Street Shade Sail Project ($54,400), and unspent funds from the Joe Machado Field Project ($8,779) to the Kids Park Project, increasing its budget to $148,253. This reallocation will support comprehensive upgrades, including the installation of modern play equipment, improved park surfacing, and enhanced landscaping.
Upon completion, the city will be reimbursed $177,952, as outlined in the staff report. The council’s approval reflects Avalon’s commitment to providing enhanced recreational spaces for its community.
