BACK TO THE BOND
upcoming renovations, he said they may bring him and his family to the park more frequently, adding they sound like “all good plans.” During construction, the city is seeking to mini- mize disruptions. “The biggest impacts will be
Phase 2 lasted from September 2018 to October 2019 and brought a new basketball court, restrooms, two playgrounds, additional pavilions, trail improvements and two spring
Although construction is continuing 15 years later, funding for the rst three phases of San Gabriel Park was included in the $35.5 million 2008 parks bond. Here is a breakdown of the bond and how far along the projects funded through it are.
restorations to the park for $4.2 million. While these improvements were outlined in the 2008 Georgetown Parks Master Plan, they were rened in the 2015 San Gabriel Park Master Plan. City o¤cials said the project was delayed by the 2008- 09 recession and the city’s bonding capacity—or how many bonds it can sell at a time. Only one of four projects
$15 million SAN GABRIEL PARK
$3.5 million HIKEBIKE TRAILS
“WE’RE REAL PROUD OF THESE IMPROVEMENTS AND WHAT THEY’VE DONE TO CREATE SPACES FOR PEOPLE TO GET OUTSIDE AND ENJOY THEMSELVES.” ERIC NUNER, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF GEORGETOWN PARKS & RECREATION
94% complete
57% complete
related to parking in certain areas,” Nuner said. “But since it’s not in a primary active area, most of the park can be enjoyed without impacts to the users.” The park’s past Minimizing dis-
$35.5M
PARKLAND ACQUISITION DEVELOPMENT
$10 million GAREY PARK
$7 million
43% complete
100% complete
SOURCE: CITY OF GEORGETOWNCOMMUNITY IMPACT
ruptions is one rea- son city sta phased the project. “We didn’t want to close the park down to everybody for a year and half,” Nuner said. Phase 1, a $2.5 million undertaking, took place between March 2017-Sep- tember 2018 and included a new play- ground with a sensory walk, additional restrooms and pavilions, and the resto- ration of a spring habitat, among other projects, according to the city.
picnic grove and a low-water crossing replacement, have been delayed to a Phase 4—which focuses on improve- ments to sports elds and the disc golf course—due to funding and timeline constraints, Nuner said. Schroeder said the city is work- ing to determine its needs ahead of a likely November bond, which will include parks and recreation projects. Funding for Phase 4 could be included in a future bond, Nuner said.
For now, city o¤cials are excited to be moving Phase 3 forward. “It’s time to get these projects done,” Schroeder said. “Obviously the community is very ready for it to happen, and then you throw in this additional support from a music festi- val—that really makes it a no brainer.”
included in the $35.5 million 2008 parks bond is fully complete, accord- ing to city documents. Ination has also aected the scope and timeline of some elements. According to the 2015 plan, Phase 3 was expected to cost $4.6 million. A couple of improvements slated for Phase 3, such as a food truck and
For more information, visit communityimpact.com .
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GEORGETOWN EDITION • APRIL 2023
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