BACKGROUND:

This item is presented to provide the Board with a final report on the Groveland Asset Rehabilitation and Beautification Project.

In 2022, the District was awarded $1,027,145 from the Clean California Local Grant Program to fund the Groveland Asset Rehabilitation and Beautification Project. The Yosemite Chamber of Commerce partnered with the District to implement the Downtown Groveland Beautification portion of the project.

PROJECT SCOPE

GCSD Park Infrastructure Project included:

• Replacement of the park restroom with a larger, more maintenance-friendly facility
• Additional trash and recycling receptacles
• Shade cover and new YARTS bus terminal area
• Additional park benches
• Informational kiosks/wayfinding signage
• Picnic area improvements
• ADA-compliant pathways
• Removal of trash, debris, and an abandoned RV on the newly purchased 37-acre property
• Restoration of dirt access roads and unpaved trails linking Mary Laveroni Park to the new property, opening it for walking, hiking, biking, and sightseeing

Chamber of Commerce Beautification Project included:

• Installation of trash and recycling receptacles, planters, and benches distributed along Main Street

IMPLEMENTATION & PROGRESS

In January 2024, the District received bids for the park project; however, costs were higher than anticipated due to inflation. As a result, staff significantly reduced the project scope and reissued a new notice to bid.

The revised project was rebid in May 2024, and the District awarded the Mary Laveroni Park Improvements Rebid Project contract to Njirich & Sons, Inc. Staff also coordinated with local organizations to gather content for the informational kiosks and worked with vendors to procure project assets such as new trash and recycling bins, picnic tables, bicycle racks, and restroom facilities.

Meanwhile, the Yosemite Chamber of Commerce assembled partnerships and coordinated with several vendors to complete the Downtown Groveland beautification work. Chamber members also collaborated with District staff on engineering, purchasing, and budgeting, while securing agreements with local business owners for the placement of beautification assets. All assets placed downtown are owned by the District and agreed to be maintained by the Chamber of Commerce.

The Groveland Asset Rehabilitation and Beautification Project represents a significant investment in the long-term improvement of community amenities, public spaces, and the visitor experience in downtown Groveland and Mary Laveroni Park.

District staff have completed project closeout with Caltrans and the Clean California Local Grant Program, including final reporting and compliance documentation. Moving forward, GCSD will be responsible for the long-term operation and maintenance of the new park facilities and improvements within District property, while the Chamber of Commerce and participating property owners will maintain the beautification assets located along Main Street.

FINANCIAL IMPACT: 

The cost of the project increased between when the District received the funding agreement in 2022 and when the project was bid and final costs were determined in 2024, resulting in the project exceeding its original budget. The District was required by the grant agreement to cover 25% of the total project cost, and a loan for $350,000 was secured for this match.  The Chamber of Commerce agreed to fund the required 25% of their portion of project costs.