Grant Howald Park
GRANT HOWALD PARK REHABILITATION PROJECT
NEW UPDATE
The Grant Howald Park Rehabilitation has made great progress. The City’s contractor has completed the undergrounding trench work along Fifth Avenue and Goldenrod Avenue in anticipation of the utility company wiring and removal of poles. The grading and drainage of the multi-purpose synthetic field is almost complete and the turf will be installed in the next few weeks. Finally, the new playground equipment has been installed. There is still much to do, but the project is on schedule with a planned opening date in May. We thank the community for their patience throughout this process.
On August 24, 2020, the City kicked off the project construction phase with an intimate Groundbreaking Ceremony attended by City Council members, PB&R Commissioners and project staff. The contractor (Environmental Construction, Inc.) is expected to complete the rehabilitation in Spring of 2021. In the meantime, please exercise caution when driving and/or walking through the construction zones. The community’s cooperation in making this project successful is greatly appreciated.
ABOUT THIS PROJECT
Grant Howald Park is a 3.1 acre park that has been serving the community since 1954. As the most visited park in Newport Beach, it is important to make sure that this park continues to serve the community at the highest level. In order to meet this standard, it is necessary to rehabilitate our City facilities from time to time. The Grant Howald Park Rehabilitation Project will be focused on upgrading the athletic field for usability throughout the year, replacing the playground equipment to encourage more integrated play and beautifying the Fifth Avenue frontage. A preliminary conceptual design is being developed by RJM Design Group, with input from City staff and the Parks, Beaches and Recreation ad hoc committee. During this conceptual design phase, we look forward to receiving the community’s input to ensure that this project rehabilitates the park with amenities that meet the resident’s expectations and reflects the community’s charm.
NEW AMENITIES
- Synthetic turf athletic fields, enabling the fields to be open all year long
- Playground equipment
- Picnic area
- Additional seating areas
- Updated restrooms
CITY COUNCIL APPROVAL
On Tuesday, May 14, 2019, the City Council approved the conceptual design for the Grant Howald Park Rehabilitation Project. The approval includes the rehabilitation of the playgrounds, installation of a synthetic sports field with new covered teaming picnic area and beautification of the Fifth Avenue streetscape with undergrounding of the existing utility poles along Fifth Avenue and Goldenrod Avenue. Staff’s next steps will include coordination with utilities companies and the design of construction documents with RJM Design Group.
PB&R COMMISSION APPROVAL
On Tuesday, March 5, 2019, the Parks, Beaches and Recreation (PB&R) Commission approved the conceptual design for the Grant Howald Park Rehabilitation Project.
COMMUNITY MEETING
Held on Wednesday, February 13, 2019 at 6:30 p.m. at Community Youth Center (3000 Fifth Ave)
PROJECT TIMELINE
- Bid Advertised: May 15, 2020
- Bid Open: June 12, 2020
- Council Award: July 2020
- Construction Start: Fall 2020
- Construction Completion: Spring 2021
Please visit Grant Howald Park Rehabilitation Project for further bidding details.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
PROJECT CONTACTS:
Public Works Department
949-644-3311
Project Inspector:
Tom Legault
949-677-0669
tlegault@newportbeachca.gov
Project Manager:
Kathryne Cho, P.E.
949-644-3014
kcho@newportbeachca.gov