Recommended Tulare County park improvements began in 2022. What has been done since then?

Tulare County Board of Supervisors reviewed and approved findings and recommendations made by the Tulare County Civil Grand Jury in its Final Report 2023-2024.

There was no discussion before the board’s decision on July 9 since the findings and recommendations were either completed or the work is currently being done.

The “Parks Facelift” section of the report was a summary of the grand jury investigation.

“The Grand Jury's report highlighted the positive strides already made and brought attention to the ongoing efforts to enhance Tulare County parks,” said Brooke Sisk, director of Tulare County General Services Agency. “Over the last five years, the board of supervisors and the county administrative office have prioritized investing in our parks to create enjoyable and accessible outdoor spaces for all community members."

Grand jury findings

The grand jury investigated this and presented its findings in the report. Here is what they found:

• There are 11 Tulare County-operated and maintained parks located in 10 communities throughout the county
• All park locations have been the recipient of monies for the purpose of retrofitting and upgrading beginning in 2022
• These renovations are nearing completion with paving of roads being the last scheduled work

The money for the project has come from three sources:

• $8 million dollars from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA)
• $3.6 million dollars from County Capital Improvement Fund
• $2.8 million dollars from county grants

“The grand jury are empowered to address complaints against various government organizations, but we also are empowered to do jury-initiated investigations into those same entities,” explained Joel Harris, foreman of the 2023-2024 Tulare County Civil Grand Jury. “We had some comments from jurors about what happened to the money that the American Rescue Plan. What did the parks department do with their cut?”

Work started when the ARPA funds were allotted in 2022, according to Harris.

“The money was put to use right away,” he said. “They were putting up arbors and doing all of that work. Unfortunately, due to the storms, particularly in March of 2023, a lot of the improvements that they had done, in Bartlett and Cutler (parks) in particular, were almost wiped out with floodwaters."

However, severe winter storms in early 2023, which prompted Gov. Gavin Newsom to declare a state of emergency, caused extensive damage to Tulare County's infrastructure, including its parks.

“Bartlett Park was particularly affected, with flooding resulting from the overflow of Lake Success," Sisk said.

"The park suffered damage to electrical systems, structures, landscaping, playground equipment, roads, and irrigation,” she added. “Emergency repairs have been ongoing, focusing on critical infrastructure to ensure the park's safe reopening. These repairs are primarily funded by insurance.”

As a result of the damages, the grant from ARPA was increased by $1.1 million dollars as of December 2023. The cost of renovations at Bartlett Park will be turned in to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) with the county expecting to be reimbursed.

Investing in Tulare County parks

The county's project launched on Oct. 7, 2021, under the banner "Investing in Parks – Revitalizing Communities," Sisk.

“These enhancements include addressing safety issues, infrastructure upgrades, cosmetic repairs, and public art projects,” Sisk said. “Every arbor, picnic table, and barbeque has been repaired or replaced. The majority of projects are completed, and we continue to seek grant opportunities and invest county funds for ongoing improvements.”

Projects that have already been completed include:

• Alpaugh: Restroom and basketball court improvements
• Bartlett: New well
• Balch: Paving of pathways
• Cutler: Replacement of irrigation
• Ledbetter: Renovation of community stage
• Mooney Grove: Bridge renovation, dog park, inclusive playground, pillar square improvements, and sidewalk repairs
• Pixley: Water distribution system replacement, irrigation, and paving
• Woodville: Irrigation replacement and community forest planting

Projects that are still ongoing include:

• Alpaugh: New irrigation and electrical installation
• Cutler: Paving starting in mid-July, park will be temporarily closed
• Bartlett: New well, irrigation replacement, flood repairs
• Ledbetter: Sports park installation

“These improvements foster stronger neighborhoods, provide safe and welcoming environments for families and their pets, and promote physical and mental well-being through regular outdoor activities and social interactions,” Sisk said.

The county continues to seek and secure funding to ensure the sustained enhancement of its parks, she added.

Members of the community can support county parks through Friends of Tulare County. For more information, visit friendsoftularecounty.org.