Loomis council backs $150K-$165K park tree-and-shade plan for Blue Anchor Park

The Loomis Town Council voted March 18 to approve staff's recommendation to finalize plans and bid a Blue Anchor Park project that would add large shade trees and a shade sail, with estimated costs of roughly $150,000 to $165,000 depending on the shade-sail option.

Dylan, the project architect, described the re-scoped plan as a community-informed design that favors durable, long-lived trees and a simpler, four-point shade sail that reduces installation complexity and cost. "So with the 4 point, we're looking about a hundred and 50,000," Dylan said while reviewing the current cost estimate; an alternate, more playful design was priced about $15,000 to $20,000 higher.

Staff told council that the town's playground project had come in about $75,000 under budget and that those returned funds could be reallocated to this park project. Staff also noted oak trees in the park design could be eligible for tree-fund support, which would reduce the additional town share required.

The consultant recommended a three-year establishment period for new large-box trees to ensure appropriate watering and pruning during the trees' early life. Council members pressed on species selection and native-plant preferences; the consultant said several species were proposed (including zelkovas and maples) because they provide broad canopy and reliable performance in the site's soil conditions but that final species would be confirmed before award.

Public commenters offered both support and questions about pole safety, shade coverage and species choice. The council moved, seconded and approved the recommendation to proceed with final plans and bidding; votes were recorded in favor by Council members Nisley, Cortez, Ring and Mayor Youngblood.

Next steps: staff will finalize construction documents by April, solicit bids in May and return to council to award a contract, with construction anticipated in summer and completion by early fall depending on material lead times.