Soledad accepts Orchard Lane Park project; staff addresses early safety, water quality concerns

The City Council accepted the Orchard Lane (Orchard Lane Park) project as complete and authorized release of the 10% retention to the contractor after staff described the final work and community reaction.

Public works staff said the park has high usage since its highly attended ribbon cutting. Early after opening staff received reports that a child’s arm was temporarily trapped in playground equipment; the manufacturer Kompan and city crews inspected and repaired the unit to manufacturer specifications. A separate complaint about an odor at a drinking fountain and splash feature was traced to standing water in a long pipe; public works flushed the system and established weekly blow‑off flushing to prevent recurrence. Staff emphasized the water comes from the city potable system and is not recycled or reclaimed water.

Council accepted the project, praised staff and community engagement in design, and noted the park has won regional recognition. Council also requested that staff continue weekly maintenance and public messaging about water safety.