To: Board of Supervisors
From: Warren Lai, Public Works Director/Chief Engineer
Report Title: APPROVE the Livorna Park Renovation Project, Alamo area.
☒Recommendation of the County Administrator ☐ Recommendation of Board Committee
RECOMMENDATIONS:
APPROVE the Livorna Park Renovation Project (Project) and AUTHORIZE the Public Works Director, or designee, to advertise the Project, Alamo area. [County Project No. WO5266, DCD-CP#26-03] (District II).
DETERMINE that this activity is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Sections 15301[c] and [d]; 15302[c]; 15303[d]; 15304[b] and [f]; 15311[a] and [b].
DIRECT the Director of Department of Conservation and Development (DCD), or designee, to cause a CEQA Notice of Exemption (NOE) to be filed with the County Clerk and State Clearinghouse, and
AUTHORIZE the Public Works Director, or designee, to arrange for payment of a $50 fee to the County Clerk for filing the NOE.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Estimated Project cost: $4,000,000 (100% Special District Funds from County Service Area R-7 Alamo)
BACKGROUND:
The purpose of this project is to revitalize the aging infrastructure at Livorna Park and replace it with modern, sustainable materials that enhance accessibility, reduce long-term maintenance, and support water conservation. The project’s proposed renovations generally consist of replacement of the existing 8,400 square-foot playground; expand the existing 2,538 square-foot basketball court to a full court by adding approximately 3,074 square-feet and two approximately 4-foot tall concrete retaining walls; repair the bocce court; improve the pavilion by adding perimeter concrete paving and removing its benches and metal railings; improve the main park entrance by removing the existing trellis and adding a new custom metal entrance arbor, removable decorative bollard, and concrete pedestrian walkways to the existing parking lot. Park access will be improved by replacing, relocating, and adding pedestrian walkways, curbs, and paved areas. The project will also install new signage, lighting, fencing, and approximately two parking stalls. Improvements to the playground include installing new shade sails, play area seating, shade structures and umbrellas, drinking fountain(s), and bicycle racks. In addition, park furnishings and restrooms will be upgraded to meet Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements. The park playground would add a new water play/mister area supported by new water/water treatment tanks and mechanical equipment. Minor improvements to water, sewer, and storm drain utility pipes, inlets, valves, cleanouts, and manholes will occur. Additional enhancements to existing landscaping, irrigation, and electrical systems will occur. Approximately 15 landscape trees (three of which are Coast Live Oaks) and 7,500 square feet of shrub area will be removed. Approximately 58 trees and 12,500 square feet of shrub areas will be planted with native, drought tolerant, non-invasive, and climate-adapted species. Bioretention planters and swales (including stormwater treatment) will be installed and appropriate Best Management Practices (BMPs) for water pollution control will be implemented during construction. Real estate transactions such as temporary construction easements may be necessary. Construction is anticipated to begin in August 2026 and last for approximately 320 working days.
The proposed project is exempt under CEQA Guidelines, Section 15301[c] related to existing sidewalks, gutters, bicycle/pedestrian trails and similar; Section 15301[d] related to restoration and rehabilitation of deteriorated structures or facilities to meet current standards; 15302[c] replacement or rehabilitation of existing utility systems; 15303[d] construction of new utility extensions of reasonable length; 15304[b] and [f] related to new gardening or landscaping including replacement of existing landscaping with water efficient landscaping and to minor trenching and backfilling; and 15311[a] and [b] related to new accessory signs and small parking lots. The proposed park renovations consist of minor alterations to an existing public park and land involving a negligible or no change or expansion of use. The renovations include conducting repairs, replacements, and new constructions of small structures or facilities, including landscaping, play areas, and utilities, to an existing public park. There is no substantial evidence that the project involves unusual circumstances resulting in, or which might reasonably result in, significant impacts which threaten the environment. None of the exceptions in the CEQA Guidelines Section 15300.2 apply.
CONSEQUENCE OF NEGATIVE ACTION:
Delay in approving the project may result in a delay in advertising the project for bids and its overall completion.
c: Jocelyn LaRocque-Engineering Services, Larry Theis- Engineering Services, Rochelle Johnson -Special Districts, Kristine Solseng -DCD.