Lake Forest City updates $55 million capital-improvement program; 17 projects completed since June 2025

Robbie Shaw, principal engineer with the public works department, presented the first-quarter 2026 update on Lake Forest City's capital improvement program, saying, “Our current program includes 60 projects with a total budget of $55 million.”

Shaw told commissioners the council approved two additional CIP projects during a midyear review and that staff completed 17 projects since June 2025, representing more than $10.5 million in investment. He listed recently completed work including vintage-park renovations, pickleball-court restriping, the annual citywide street and sidewalk repairs, and a phase‑2 study for a protected permissive left‑turn project.

Shaw highlighted Heroes Park as a major renovation: fields were regraded, irrigation improved, fences replaced, turf renewed and energy‑efficient LED lighting installed. He said the project was recognized by the American Society of Civil Engineers as the outstanding parks and recreation project for 2025.

On active work, Shaw said 12 projects are under construction, including El Toro corridor improvements intended to reduce congestion and improve safety, and that several intersection and restroom‑renovation projects are near substantial completion. He noted the Lake Forest Sports Park HVAC replacement is underway and the Foothill Ranch box‑lacrosse rink construction is awaiting material delivery.

Looking ahead, Shaw said eight projects are in pre‑construction or advertised, eight are in design, and three are in pre‑design (including Kavanaugh Park improvements and a sports‑park building renovation). He offered to provide follow‑up details when commissioners requested clarification on specific items.

The commission thanked staff and welcomed Shaw, a recent hire, and asked staff to provide updates on individual project schedules as needed. The commission took no formal action on the CIP itself at this meeting.