Measure L Update

Measure L Update

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.

The playground at Katzakian Park was also identified as due for replacement in 2020, but that project will likely be deferred due to no or limited funds remaining after the Candy Cane, English Oaks and Beckman projects.