Contractor hired for next Folsom Ranch park

Folsom officials agreed this week to hire a consultant to design a new 12-acre park in growing Folsom Ranch. The Folsom City Council unanimously voted Oct. 28 to hire design consultant Wilson Design Studio for the Neighborhood Park #1 Project. Wilson Design Studio was identified as the top-ranked firm based on its ability to complete project deliverables expeditiously, flexibility to modify scope, community outreach and knowledge of Folsom demographics and community, staff said. The City Council hired a limited-term Park Planner II last May to jumpstart lagging park and trail planning and development in Folsom Ranch. "The Folsom Plan Area continues to experience rapid residential growth, resulting in an increased demand for parks and trails to meet the community's recreational needs," said Parks Director Kelly Gonzalez in the council report. The 12-acre site in Folsom Ranch is referred to as Neighborhood Park #1. The yet-unnamed park site is located at the corner of Empire Ranch Road and Mangini Parkway. The Park Planner II will manage all aspects of the NP1 project, including planning, design, consultant coordination, contractor oversight, community outreach and compliance with city standards and policies. The Parks and Recreation Department issued a request for development plan proposals last July. The planning process includes an updated rough cost estimate, master plan, community outreach, documents, bidding and construction administration. Neighborhood Park #1 includes a lighted soccer field, lighted youth baseball field, lighted basketball court, a group picnic area, restroom building and parking lot. "The park is adjacent to a future elementary school site and will serve as a key recreational amenity for surrounding neighborhoods," said Gonzalez. The Parks & Recreation Commission recommended Neighborhood Park #1 as the next park to be developed in Folsom Ranch. The commission also recommended allocating funding in the fiscal year 2025-26 capital improvement budget to initiate the design. The current construction cost estimate is $9,500,000. For Fiscal Year 2025-26, staff is requesting $706,614 to cover anticipated soft costs for the initial planning and design work. The costs include expenses for design and consultants, such as landscape architects and civil, electrical and structural engineers, geotechnical studies, utility coordination, permit fees and staff time. This funding will allow staff to initiate the park planning and design process. Additional budget requests will be submitted in future years to cover the remaining soft costs and eventual construction expenses, staff said.