Salinas City Council approves first steps for rec center in District 5.

Salinas City Council unanimously approved a feasibility study and initial site plan design on March 24 for a new recreation center, moving the project one step forward.

“The City currently operates seven recreation centers citywide; however, none are located within City Council District 5,” said a staff report by Kristan Lundquist, Library & Community Services director. 

Many residents showed their support for the recreation center. Some mentioned there wasn’t enough community outreach, while others questioned that the study didn’t include traffic and pedestrian safety.

“We should not add new centers and their ongoing costs while existing ones are in disrepair, particularly as our city's budgets face yearly deficits,” said Peter Szalai, a District 5 resident who is running for mayor. 

Jasmine, who also lives in District 5, showed her support, noting not all families have the means to go to other parks or rec centers. “If kids in my district want to play soccer, they have to go all the way to Constitution [Boulevard] to try to find space and or try to find space in already crowded parks with team practices,” she said. 

During the project’s outreach, residents suggested locations, responded to surveys and participated in community meetings to help staff narrow it down and select a city-owned property for the project. Top places residents suggested include Santa Rita, Laurel and Northgate Neighborhood Parks, with the latter being selected for the project. 

City staff presented a feasibility study they conducted along with ABA Studios, a California-based architect and planning firm, to move the project forward. The study includes community needs and the vision for the recreation center. 

Nearly 200 people responded to surveys; 55 percent were District 5 residents and 76 percent of them have children.

Some of the amenities residents would like at the facility include standalone restrooms, outdoor areas, a teen lounge and childcare/playroom. Staff presented layouts residents voted on; both include parking, program rooms and stormwater detention basin. There are two options on the table, each with two phases. Option 1 also includes a community event venue, one picnic area and a youth plaza, while Option 2 includes two picnic areas and outdoor fitness equipment. 

The first phase of the project is about $8.1 million.

Overall, all residents who responded to the survey preferred Option 1, while District 5 residents favored Option 2. 

The project gained interest when the Library & Community Services Department and the Fire Department explored the option of a shared facility at Laurel Park, including a rec center and fire station. The city applied for $20 million in state funding, but the project didn’t make the cut. The council set aside $8.1 million for it.