CLEARLAKE, Calif. – The preliminary master plan for Highlands Park was the topic of a special joint meeting of the Clearlake City Council and Clearlake Planning Commission on Tuesday.
The presentation by Foothill Associates included a cost estimate nearing $2.5 million.
The final master plan is expected to be completed by mid-December. Jared Barnes, Foothill Associates landscape planner, said the plan will be used as a tool to seek funding and upgrade the park.
The development of the preliminary master plan incorporates details identified in the Lakeshore Drive Corridor Plan and Clearlake Vision Task Force report.
The process has included a number of opportunities for public input as well.
Barnes said public comments obtained at an open house, which was attended by 25 people in October, and those collected from 84 survey respondents were incorporated into the development of the preliminary master plan.
As a result of the responses, Barnes said, “The vision of Highlands Park is to be a safe and welcoming park that provides family-friendly recreational activities and calm, beautiful spaces.”
According to Barnes, high priority features identified by the public included those such as establishment of a chamber of commerce/visitor center, oak woodland areas, community activity and special events zones; pedestrian pathways, boardwalk and beach access, and fishing and viewing areas.
In addition, the preliminary master plan includes areas for horseshoe pits and a bocce ball court, a stage, bus stop shelters, picnic areas and other amenities. Lighting, safety and vehicle access are also addressed in the plan as are permanent restroom facilities.
Barnes said an under usage of the park was identified in the development of the plan. The top three reasons people visit the park, according to survey response, are walking, attending the farmers' market and viewing of the lake, wildlife and sunsets.
"Events and entertainment are the best ways to increase (park) usage," Barnes said. "Having different types of space will encourage more diverse use."
Barnes said some areas recommended to encourage use include public art events and celebration of the area's American Indian history and culture.
The cost estimate for the project identifies expenses in 11 categories: construction preliminaries ($85,000); demolition and earthworks ($60,000); Lakeshore Drive improvements ($199,673); hard surfaces ($248,406); structures ($210,000); utilities ($230,000); courts ($50,000); furniture and fixtures ($134,500); walls, decks and fences ($448,480); landscaping ($106,160); other ($150,000). The estimate also includes professional fees and permits ($192,222) and a 20-percent contingency ($384,444).
"It is a realistic but conservative cost estimate," Barnes said, adding priorities can be identified in the design process. "It's a plan that (can be implemented) over time as funding becomes available."
Public Works Director Doug Herren said he anticipates several aspects of the project to be accomplished through in-kind donations and contributions from the community, significantly lowering the city's cost.
Barnes said input received at the special joint meeting will be used to revise the preliminary plan and cost estimate.
Additionally, potential funding strategies that may be used to implement the proposed master plan improvements will be developed.
Barnes told Lake County News that the key items raised at the joint meeting that will be incorporated into the final draft include reconsideration of restroom location to better serve park guests and those of the chamber/visitor center; the addition of a pathway through the oak woodland area leading to the chamber/visitor center; the reuse of existing boat docks, currently in storage, in lieu of a new floating dock; widening of sidewalk on Lakeshore Drive; potential vehicle access through the park; the relocation of stage; addition of a second bocce ball court; and additional parking near the chamber/visitor center.
The preliminary master plan, cost estimate and joint meeting presentation are available for download on the project website, https://highlandsparkmasterplan.wordpress.com/ or visit www.clearlake.ca.us for more information.
Email reporter Denise Rockenstein at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
Clearlake City Council, planning commission consider Highlands Park master plan
- Denise Rockenstein
- Posted On