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Essig Park Improvements Project

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In November 2022, the Town of Yucca Valley began the process of gathering information to plan improvements at Essig Community and Dog Park, and on November 21, 2023, the Town re-opened the park.

Upgrades to the park are made possible through Measure Y funding. Below is a timeline of events related to opportunities for community input, key decisions and project milestones.

  • November-December 2022: Town releases a survey seeking input from the community.
    • News Release
    • Social Media: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter
    • Website Spotlight
    • Signage posted at Essig Park with QR code to survey
    • Recreation staff on site at the park to gather feedback and information from park patrons  
  • February 13, 2023:
    • Essig Park Survey & Measure Y Park Improvements Review is on the Parks, Recreation & Cultural Commission agenda
    • Community Services Manager Earnest presented the staff report, providing results on
      the recent survey polled to area residents and park users at Essig Park. 
  • February 21, 2023:
  • February 27, 2023: 
  • March 1, 2023:
  • March 21, 2023:
    • Essig Park authorization to receive bids on Council agenda
    • Town Council adopted Resolution No. 23-07, approving plans, specification and estimates for the construction of Essig Park Improvements Project, Town Project No. 8519. Measure Y; and authorized the Town Clerk to advertise and receive bids.
    • Council video
  • April 18, 2023:
    • Essig Park authorization to re-bid on Council agenda
    • Town Council rejected the bid for Essig Park, Town Project No.8519, adopted Resolution No. 23-11, and authorized the Town Clerk to re-advertise and receive bids.
    • Council video
  • May 16, 2023:
    • Essig Park project update on Council agenda
    • Town Council received and filed the project update and provided direction to proceed with the project as bid.
    • Mayor Denison opened public comments. With no members of the public wishing to speak, public comments were closed.
    • Council video
  • May 30, 2023: 
    • Essig Park award of construction contract on Council agenda
    • Mayor Pro Tem Lombardo opened public comments for the consent agenda items. With no members of the public wishing to speak, public comments were closed.
  • June 12, 2023:
  • June 21, 2023:
  • June 23, 2023:
  • July 10, 2023:
  • July 28, 2023
  • August 15, 2023
  • August 24, 2023
  • November 21, 2023

    • Town of Yucca Valley finalized improvements at Essig Park, holding a grand opening event at 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday, November 21. The reopening served as a special edition of Coffee with the Mayor, with provided morning refreshments, a coffee cart, giveaways and a special guest: Naji, San Bernardino County Sheriff Department’s new K9 police dog.

    • News Release

 

FAQ's:

  • What changes are being made?
    • Essig Park's renovation program will provide the following:
      • Installations of new irrigations to meter water use
      • Concrete sidewalk and walkway installations
      • Two new shade structures with seating
      • Dog park play features, bench, solar lighting for canine park users
      • Solar playground lighting
      • Additional drinking fountain  
  • How is the project being funded?
    • Funding for this park improvement project is available thanks to Measure Y revenues.
  • Why are concrete pathways being installed?
    • Concrete pathways were chosen for three primary benefits. First, they provide fuller ADA compliance with building standards that are in place today and which the Town is required to adhere to with new construction. Second, the concrete pathways are less expensive to maintain, providing economic sustainability for the dog parks. Third, the concrete increases small dog safety by ensuring small dogs do not dig under the existing fence and find themselves in the big dog park.