Council Eyes Plan for New Pierce St. Park

The Albany City Council agenda Monday includes approval of the first-phase design for the city's new Pierce Street Park.

The first phase, representing 35 percent of the project, includes the grading and paving, a playground and a restroom at an estimated cost of approximately $1 million.

The city bought a 4.5-acre parcel on Pierce Street from Caltrans in 2011 to establish a new park. pedestrian/bike trail and maintenance center. In April the council asked staff to proceed with developing a design for the 35-percent first phase. The site is located a block east of the railroad tracks near Interstate 80.

The design proposal from city staff working in collaboration the planning and design firm, The Planning Center | DC&E, includes extensive grading because of the steepness of terrain, paving, landscaping, picnic tables and bike racks in addition to play structures and a restroom.

Staff is recommending that the council accept four revisions to the proposal recommended by the Parks and Recreation Commission at its Oct. 10 meeting:

1. add a fence around the 2-5 year old play area
2. picnic tables should be situated so that there is clear line of site to the multipurpose field
3. play area for the 5-12 year olds should be less elaborate to better accommodate children with disabilities
4. environmental evaluation of air quality should be reviewed sooner than later to better address future uses of the multipurpose field