PARK UPDATES
Play Lodi!
Activity Guide • Winter/Spring 2020
Updates on Park Improvements
367 Acres of Parkland
Prop 68 Update Parks and Recreation has requested State funding for more than $11 million in projects to benefit Blakely Park, Hale Park and Lodi Lake Park as part of Proposition 68 grant programs. Parks and Rec requested more than $5.4 million to expand the aquatics facilities at Blakely Park, plus construct a parking lot and picnic shelter. The proposed aquatics improvements include a splash pad and new swimming pool designed especially for beginning swimmers. Other proposed features include expanded dressing rooms, new fencing and expanded equipment rooms.
fencing to improve safety for a turfed play area. Improved lighting and security cameras are a part of the more than $4.4 million request. If the grant request is awarded, Parks and Rec will work with the Lodi Historical Society on developing a self-guided tour illustrating the history of Lodi and Hale Park, the city’s oldest park. More than $1 million was requested through another grant program to construct a riverfront trail at Lodi Lake Park, connecting the Nature Area to the boat launch area. This proposed project will allow pedestrians to walk along the riverfront, separated from vehicles. If awarded, Parks and Rec will likely perform the construction at the same time a State-funded erosion-control project is underway, scheduled for early 2021. Our success in securing the grants won’t be known until spring of 2020. If Lodi is awarded any funding, the projects must be completed by early 2022.
Measure L Update Hale Park’s proposed improvements include two new playgrounds, a 35-foot diameter gazebo and surrounding plaza that will serve as a center for community activities. In addition, the grant requests funds placing the overhead power lines underground, improving safety and park aesthetics, and funding for
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Parks and Rec has already seen tremendous benefits from the passage of Measure L in November 2018, using the tax proceeds to remove a number of dangerous trees from Lodi Lake Park and to close a funding gap needed to complete the Candy Cane Park renovations.
Several large cottonwood trees and a willow that had previously dropped large limbs were removed from Lodi Lake in the fall. Already nearly half of the $80,000 in Measure L tree maintenance funds was exhausted within the first three months of the fiscal year. With $650,000 earmarked for playground construction in the fiscal year ending June 30, 2020, Parks and Rec used $100,000 to complete Candy Cane Park. The ribbon-cutting ceremony was on November 16.
The remaining funds are targeting new playgrounds at English Oaks and Beckman parks. The English Oaks playground was designed with community feedback several years ago, with that project awaiting funding. Beckman Park was the subject of recent Parks and Rec outreach, resulting in staff investigating the opportunity for a playground and equipment that will serve the recreational needs of children as well as adults.
City of Lodi Parks, Recreation & Cultural Services
