MARTINEZ, Calif. – The Martinez Measure H Fund, containing park bond issue revenues, still has some money available even as the number of projects are winding down, City Treasurer Carolyn Robinson and Michael Chandler, deputy director of Administrative Services, told the Measure H Oversight Committee.
The Committee, which met Wednesday, learned that the audited remaining money, $555,323.73, isn’t all that can be used for park projects.
After the completion renovations of Waterfront Park and the Hidden Lakes ballfield, the fund is expected to have $829,325.52.
That’s because the ball field project’s cost largely was freed up when Public Works Superintendent Bob Cellini successfully nominated the project to TLC For Kids’ Sports. The city’s share of the project dropped to $50,000, and the nonprofit organized a volunteer day Nov. 4, 2017.
Sponsors contributed materials and equipment.
More than 100 pallets of sod were rolled out, 40 new trees were planted and dugouts and backstops were painted.
Measure H is a $30 million bond issue approved by voters in 2008 specifically to address park needs.
The largest project was the recently completed multimillion-dollar improvements to Waterfront Park, which reopened late last year.
Suarez and Munoz Contractors were hired for the yearlong job, which included improvements to the sports fields, new field lighting, parking lot and path lights, renovated pathways, new pavement, new and improved restrooms, better fences, new park furniture, group picnic area improvements, better landscaping and irrigation, new storm drains and retaining walls, electrical work, improved parking lots and construction to make the park compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements.
Among the other completed projects are the renovation of the Hidden Lakes Park soccer field, which now has artificial turf and making the park’s play area ADA compliant; Cappy Ricks Park’s rebuilt restrooms, tennis courts and turf, new picnic areas and paths;; and at Holiday Highlands Park, making ADA upgrades and improving to the playground, turf and picnic area.
Also completed are Hidden Valley Park’s ADA compliance, refurbishing the ball fields; restroom replacement and addition of new swings, rentable picnic areas, a walking circuit with active exercise stations, a grass play area and a new amphitheater.
Completed work at the Martinez Library renovated and expanded the building’s basement, installation of an elevator and addition of a community room and research and reading spaces. Mountain View Park’s Little League fields got new fencing, dugouts and seating; the park itself got new picnic areas and upgrades for existing areas, and the play equipment was moved to a central spot.
At Nancy Boyd Park, work was done in two phases. The first part dealt with the restroom, ball field, tennis and basketball courts and picnic and playground areas. The second portion added more picnic areas and play equipment.
The Rankin Park pool was replaced, the park was brought up to ADA standards and added features included a spray ground, swim team classroom space and buffers against sound and wind. The park itself, including Tavan Field, also received ADA compliance improvements, restroom and concession room replacement and playground and turf upgrades.
Susana Park got new paths and sidewalks, picnic areas and lighting upgrades, a better restroom and ADA compliance improvements. Sports courts have been improved throughout the city’s parks.
Remaining on the list are a building replacement and other improvements to Golden Hills Park, renovations to Highland Park and path improvements at Alhambra Avenue Park and John Muir Park. Those tasks may be finished before the end of this year.
According to audited figures for transactions ending June 30, 2018, the total revenues to date, including bond proceeds, interest and a transfer of $142,000 from debt service are $30,577,037.54. Cost to issue the bonds was $142,000. The various projects cost $27,171,846.76.
Of that, $2,707,867.05 was earmarked for improvements to Waterfront Park, ballfields and other park improvements.
After reviewing those documents, the Committee agreed that transactions comply with the specifications of the ballot measure that voters supported
Figures from transactions after June 30, 2018 also were presented to the Committee, but they won’t vote on their acceptance until after the next city audit. Among the changes members will see is the movement of the money saved through TLC undertaking the Hidden Lakes ballfield improvements, which is becoming available for use on other projects.
