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BACKGROUND In July 2002, the City Council approved the Master Plan for the Downtown Parks and Trails System (DPTS). The Plan was created as a guide for the design improvements of seven park/recreation sites in the downtown area, including Lions Wayside Park and Delucchi Park. The D PTS recommended that these two parks, the adjoining portion of the Regional Trail Corridor, and the area around Firehouse Arts Center be treated as one single park area. The combined facilities would serve the immediate neighborhood, as well as the City as a whole. In 2008, with the anticipated completion of the Firehouse Arts Center and the City's acquisition of the Regional Trail Corridor, improving the Lions Wayside and Delucchi Parks was a logical next step. The principal from the firm of Richard Larson & Associates, Landscape Architects was retained to develop the Master Plan for the project. Mr. Larson developed two draft schematic design options for the parks; one of which was approved by the Parks and Recreation Commission in 2009. However, due to the uncertain economic conditions, the project was placed on hold. The completion of the Master Plan for the Lions Wayside and Delucchi Parks (Master Plan) was among the top three priorities for the Parks and Recreation Commission in 2011; and the project was included in the City Council's 2013 Annual Work Plan. On May 30, 2013, the Parks and Recreation Commission held a public hearing to receive comments from the community and selected the preliminary schematic design that included undergrounding the drainage swale on Lions Wayside Park, known as Option A. On July 6, 2013, the City Council also received public input and supported the Commission's recommendation. They provided comments on various elements of the schematic design and approved Option A. This option improves the functionality, safety and esthetics of the parks, which are important goals for the community DISCUSSION As forecasted in the 2002 Master Plan for the Downtown Parks and Trails System, Lions Wayside and Delucchi Parks, in combination with the Firehouse Arts Center, have become an important community gathering place. Popular events such as the Concerts in the Parks, Farmers' Market, as well as various programs at the Arts Center are held in this area. The Master Plan formulates a set of recommendations for improvements that would treat the two parks as one site, facilitate their expanded use, improve their safety and appearance, and increase their overall value to the adjacent neighborhood and the entire City. Summary of the Master Plan's Key Elements: Bandstand and Great Lawn Area: • The current bandstand will be replaced with a larger structure created in a craftsman-influenced style that is open and harmonious with the neighborhood. It will accommodate larger musical and theatrical performances and be placed in a Page 2 of 5