Collier Park Renovations Project Master Plan

The COLLIER PARK RENOVATIONS PROJECT MASTER PLAN represents recommendations for specific improvements to developed areas of Collier Park as well as concepts for future improvements to undeveloped and underdeveloped portions of the property. The primary goal of this Master Plan is to provide enhanced recreational amenities and opportunities that serve to encourage more active use of the park by residents of the surrounding neighborhood.

Collier Park is the oldest of La Mesa's parks and until 2017 renovation of the "panhandle" entrance at Palm & Pasadena, has not had any upgrade since the 1990's, other than resurfacing the 1950's court to add pickleball lines in 2014. The planned renovation of this neighborhood park is part of a long term project to improve and update the park based on community input through a master plan started in 2008, adopted in 2013, with additional input gathered in 2018. Surveys reflected a number of community interests: including tennis, playgrounds, safety and pickleball.

The next phase of improvements, with an estimated cost of $4.5 million, is being completed with funding that has been allocated from park development fees, Federal Community Development Block Grants (CDBG), La Mesa Park and Recreation Foundation donations (for the new playground), CA Department of Parks and Recreation Local Assistance Specified Grant funds, and CA Proposition 68 Land and Water Bond funds. The project includes: replacing the restroom, court and playground: improving the topography to improve park drainage, visibility, and creating ADA accessible access throughout the park: installing security cameras, lighting, parking, picnic shelters, pathways/sidewalks, and plazas: park drainage, and adding landscaping, including a mix of turf, trees, low water vegetation, and storm water quality features. To accommodate these improvements some areas of the park will have a grade change from its existing levels. In January 2022, in preparation for the renovations, trees in the construction area were removed.

The renovation project construction is scheduled to begin on
November 1, 2022, which will require closing the park and courts
for approximately one-year.

Park Renovation Updates:

September 8, 2023: Repurposed Eucalyptus tree logs have arrived for our nature exploration area and mini amphitheater. This space is designed to offer children an immersive natural environment where they can unleash their creativity. These logs will also serve as rustic seating arrangements within the amphitheater, enhancing the venue's nature-inspired ambiance. Concrete was poured on the ADA ramps, curb, gutter, and storm drain inlet along Pasadena Avenue and Fourth Street. Concrete has also been laid for the train depot museum drinking fountain apron, and excavation work has been carried out for the installation of electrical conduit intended for the lighting of the drinking fountain. Additionally, a new picket fence was installed along the drainage channel near the Spring House.

August 25, 2023: The new sidewalk and storm drain inlet on Pasadena Avenue are in place, while the finishing touches of concrete have been applied to the perimeter path. The main plaza and ADA ramps also boast fresh concrete finishes.

August 11, 2023: Crews trenched along Palm Avenue to lay the foundation for fiber optic infrastructure. This will allow the park to be well-connected to communications technology. Workers laid and compacted the base material for the sidewalk subgrade near the new picnic and playground areas. Additionally, the sail shade structure steel columns were placed and anchored. Workers continue installing the irrigation system in preparation for a coverage test, which will determine if there is an even distribution of water.

July 5, 2023: Installation of irrigation system, fencing, and posts for shade sails and picnic shelter is underway. Site was energized by SDG&E. Playground area is being graded in preparation for installation. Grading along Pasadena Ave. to install curb and sidewalks. Street work in Palm Ave. to install cabling will be scheduled in the near future.

May 31, 2023: Stairways, ramps, sidewalks, court and plazas have been poured. Poles for court lighting, historic style site lighting, and trash enclosure have been installed. The sidewalk along Palm Ave. has been widened.

April 21, 2023: Mass grading is complete following delays from excessive rains. The replica fountain is installed at the LA Mesa Train Depot (awaiting landscaping and lighting.) Hardscape such as ramps, retaining walls, sidewalks and stairs are being poured and the new restroom was lifted into place by crane.