LARPD Board Accepts Robertson Park Sports Fields Improvements

Here's information provided by the Livermore Area Recreation and Park District:

At a meeting Wednesday night, the Board of Directors for the Livermore Area Recreation and Park District approved acceptance of the Robertson Park Sports Fields improvement project as complete.

LARPD awarded the project to Goodland Landscape Construction in April. The project included removal of grass and the top layer of sand sub-base, placement of permeable rock, drainage and grading, concrete work, planting of turf and trees, modification of existing irrigation, fencing and more. The contractor worked with AstroTurf, the manufacturer and installer of the synthetic turf system. The project also included replacing field lights with an upgraded system.

The contractor was able to accommodate an accelerated schedule, which allowed the District to offer use of the new fields to the public at a much earlier date than anticipated. The first day of public use was Oct. 6. Total project funding was $2.7 million. A dedication and ribbon-cutting ceremony is set for 4 p.m. Friday, Nov. 2.

The Board also approved a temporary advancement of property tax revenue funds from Alameda County – an annual routine request since 2010. The advancement is necessary because of timing of receiving property tax funding versus LARPD’s cash flow for capital and operating expenses. The temporary advancement of $2 million, plus interest, will be repaid by proceeds of District property taxes before June 30 of the current fiscal year.

LARPD will enter into a new contract for banking services with U.S. Bank, which the Board approved at the meeting. U.S. Bank was selected in 2005 to handle the District’s banking needs. After a new Request for Proposal was sent this summer to all 12 commercial banks with at least one branch in Livermore, U.S. Bank’s proposal was the lowest cost to LARPD. The bank also has a good track record with the District.

Also during the meeting, Senior Services staff gave a presentation to the Board on various services provided to the public. The Board was impressed with the breadth of services available and the positive feedback provided from a multitude of programs and offerings. President Beth Wilson and Director David Hutchinson reported on their attendance at the recent National Recreation and Park Association conference in Anaheim. The directors attended educational sessions and were pleased to share that LARPD is already doing many of the cutting-edge methods and projects discussed.