Alameda Recreation Department outlines 2026 capital projects: trail connectors, skate park rebuild, community garden and safety upgrades

At its May 14 meeting the Alameda Recreation and Park Department reviewed an array of 2026 capital projects and small improvements, offering schedules, community impacts and outreach plans.

Sweeney Park trail connectors have been paved and staff expect to install striping and signage next week so the new entrances can open to the public before the end of the month, Long said. He added the project improves pedestrian and pet access while aligning with ADA transition‑plan priorities.

The City View Skate Park — built in 1999 with little structural improvement since — has completed construction documents and is in permit review; Long said construction is expected to start in October and take roughly two and a half to three months (timing chosen to avoid peak summer program use).

The department is advancing a community garden next to the planned aquatic center. Long said the garden's initial phase aims for 70–100 raised beds (roughly half of an eventual two‑acre goal) with phased installation over 12–14 months, and staff have held sitewalks with Alameda Backyard Growers.

Multiple paving and ADA projects were described: Franklin Park basketball surfacing will be resurfaced in fall 2026; Longfellow Park will get a major paving project in spring 2027 with associated ADA work; and playground replacements (Liecker) are scheduled to begin in August 2026 with one to two months of closure.

Safety work at Lincoln Park — replacement of tall netting and installation of additional netting near the bleachers — will start Monday, June 8 and require closing a driveway for approximately six weeks, Long said. Staff plan to communicate directly to renters, post signage at the park and notify the city's email distribution list.

Estuary Park phase two (about 5.5 acres) is under construction and will add six pickleball courts, a full basketball court, an 88‑unit playground element, two dog parks (large and small) and permanent restrooms; Long said Estuary phase two is expected online in late 2026 or early 2027 and that grant funds helped advance the work.

Long emphasized that many projects include ADA improvements identified in the city's ADA transition plan and noted the challenge of contractor scheduling for many smaller paving jobs.