Title
Review BMX Park Feasibility Study and Discuss Next Steps
Body
To: Honorable Chair and Members of the Recreation and Park Commission
From: Amy Wooldridge, Recreation and Parks Director
Re: Review BMX Park Feasibility Study and Discuss Next Steps
BACKGROUND
A BMX Bike Park, envisioned at Alameda Point and adjacent to the Cityview Skate Park, was first discussed by the Recreation and Parks Commission (Commission) on July 8, 2021 based on a request from a resident.
On February 10, 2022, the Commission approved a list of recreation facility projects funded by the General Fund with limited funding from the Alameda Sports Complex Fund. This list was based on initial discussions with the Commission, staff input and a community survey. The BMX Bike Park Feasibility Study (Feasibility Study) was included in the approved project list, in the amount of $25,000.
CBG was engaged to complete the Feasibility Study, given their long-time experience and knowledge with all civil engineer aspects of Alameda Point. The Feasibility Study is included as Exhibit 1.
DISCUSSION
The Feasibility Study reviews existing conditions for the location immediately west of the Cityview Skate Park. This site is located within the future Alameda Point Regional Sports Complex. This area would be subject to inundation during King Tide events with anticipated sea level rise by the year 2050.
There are utilities available in the adjacent West Redline Avenue and the Veteran’s Administration (VA) Outpatient Clinic and Columbarium project is anticipated to replace all main utilities in that corridor in future years. The existing utilities at the site were originally constructed by the Navy, however they are active and can service the BMX Park. The Feasibility Study states that utility replacement is not necessary to support the BMX Park. Required utilities include storm drainage, domestic water and electrical.
Monarch Street bisects the BMX Park into two sections. This street must remain as it is the street corridor connecting to the future Alameda Point Regional Sports Complex. The Feasibility Study identifies the eastern side of Monarch Street as Option A and the western side as Option B.
To minimize the risk of flooding, it is recommended to raise the BMX Park about 3.5 feet if building on Option A. There are utilities there that should be removed and others to be preserved.
Option B can remain at the current elevation and there is existing pavement to remove. Existing utilities can be abandoned in place or removed, if needed.
Regarding utility needs, including sewer at the BMX Park will be challenging and expensive but it’s anticipated that the restroom adjacent to the gym that serves the Skate Park will be sufficient for the BMX Park. Water service would require new pipe installation. Electrical service can be installed and possibly may need a new transformer.
In conclusion, a BMX Park is feasible at this location. Next steps to move the project forward include the following:
• Discuss the BMX Park as part of the Park Project Priority List at the December 8, 2022 Commission meeting. This will allow the Commission to review this project within the broader context of all park projects (small, medium and large) that ARPD is working on or anticipating work on over the next year. All projects require staff time for project management and this needs to be a consideration for each project.
• If confirmed as a priority, the BMX Park is brought to the City Council for final concept approval at this location.
• If approved by City Council, funds from the Alameda Regional Sports Complex Fund are available to fund design.
• The design process includes issuing a Request for Proposals for BMX Park design firms, engaging the public on the design and finalizing a design that is recommended by the Commission and approved by City Council.
• Once a design is approved, construction funding must be identified. It is anticipated to cost at least $750,000, most likely more. The total cost will vary greatly depending upon the final design, for example whether the bike surface is dirt, concrete, polymer or asphalt and what type of amenities are included. To fund the project construction, there are a limited number of small private grants for BMX Parks, possibly other recreational grants, options for corporate funding and seeking City funding.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
There is no impact from the review and discussion of the BMX Park. Design of the park is estimated to cost $50,000 - $100,000 and construction of the park is roughly estimated to cost at least $750,000, quite possibly significantly more.
RECOMMENDATION
Review BMX Park Feasibility Study and Discuss Next Steps
Respectfully submitted,
Amy Wooldridge, Recreation and Parks Director
Exhibits:
1. BMX Bike Park Feasibility Study