Whittier, CA
Home MenuParnell Park Renovation and Improvement Project
Background
Thank you for you interest in the Parnell Park Improvement Plan.
Parnell Park, located at 10711 Scott Avenue, is a 12.8-acre park in a residential neighborhood between Lambert Road and Mulberry Drive. The park was developed in 1967 and has traditional amenities that include picnic tables, barbeques, cold water sinks, gas burners, play equipment, two basketball half-courts, restrooms, and three parking lots. Lighting at the park currently consists of minimal security lighting in and around the park. Recreational facilities include the Community and Senior Center, softball diamond, spray pool, and farm animal zoo.
Project Overview
On March 9, 2021, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 2021-14, authorizing the filing of an application for a Statewide Park Program (SPP) Competitive Grant to update and revitalize Parnell Park. This decision followed staff's receipt of more than 475 community survey responses, which provided positive feedback and highlighted key amenities to be included in the proposed park design and grant application. However, the City Council was later notified on December 8, 2021, that the City's project application was not selected for funding.
On October 15, 2021, California State Senator Bob Archuleta informed the City Council that the City of Whittier would receive $5,019,000.00 in designated park grant funds through CA Assembly Bill 170 and CA Senate Bill 170. This allocation was achieved through the State of California Specific Grant process and would provide funding to what later became the Parnell Park Renovation and Improvement Project.
On November 9, 2021, the City Council, guided by previous public outreach and Council direction, adopted Resolution No. 2021-87 to submit an application for the State of California Specific Grant funds for the Parnell Park Renovation and Improvement Project. The proposal included funding for youth sports fields, lighting, playground with rubberized surfacing, a fitness par course, a new restroom facility, and a splash pad. The City Manager was authorized to manage all necessary negotiations and document submissions related to the grant.
On January 19, 2022, the PRCS Commission received an update on the ongoing Parnell Park State Specific Grant efforts. This included obtaining necessary signatures for resolutions and agreements detailing the planned renovations and a scheduled meeting with California State Parks staff to discuss the application and funding process. The Commission acknowledged and filed the update.
On February 8, 2022, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 2022-10, accepting $5,019,000.00 in grant funds from the State of California for the Parnell Park Renovation and Improvement Project. The Council also executed a sole-source professional services agreement with SWA-Laguna Beach, an international landscape architecture, planning and urban design firm, for $112,000 to provide conceptual design services and requested the formation of an Ad Hoc Committee to oversee the project.
On March 8, 2022, the City Council appointed Mayor Vinatieri and Mayor Pro Tem Warner to serve on an Ad Hoc Committee for providing renovation design feedback for Parnell Park.
On May 24, 2022, guided by the Ad Hoc Committee's efforts, the City Council reviewed and approved a proposed multi-use site design for Parnell Park. This design included a slight zoo expansion, a landscaped parkway, a new prominent pedestrian entryway, a small-scale concert amphitheater, and a two-sided band shell. The Council also discussed enhancements such as a new playground, water feature, soccer fields, basketball courts, and a new restroom facility.
On October 11, 2022, City staff and representatives from SWA presented a 30% Concept Design for Parnell Park, incorporating elements that were discussed at the May 24, 2022 meeting and additional features, like two basketball courts--one of which was also striped for pickleball. The City Council approved the concept design and amended the contract with SWA to move the project forward; next steps included the completion of 100% construction documents and preparation of bid specifications. The agreement with SWA does not cover specialized design work for sports field lighting and playground features, for which the City would seek separate professional services.
On February 28, 2023, the Parnell Park Ad Hoc Committee and SWA presented further refinements to the park's multi-use design to the City Council. These included improved entry and exit locations, additional parking, EV stall placements, enhancements to the zoo with solar panels, and playground adjustments for better safety and visibility. The splash pad area was refined with updated design elements, and the Council approved recommendations for decorative components on the band shell wall. The project also included adjustments for soccer fields and a multi-use basketball court. The City Council approved these refinements.
Parnell Park Tree Modifications
- Inclusive playground
- Enhanced accessibility
- Basketball and pickleball courts
- Shaded food truck grove
- Concerts/band shall for performances
- Upgraded restrooms
- Splash pad
- Larger zoo area
- Sports fields with the potential to serve +2,000 youth
- Sports lighting
- Expanded picnic areas
- Reconfigured parking and EV charging stations
In order to implement these community-driven updates and enhancements, the Improvement Plan proposes the following modifications:
- New Trees: As part of the project, we will plant 196 new trees, resulting in a net gain of trees in the park.
- Tree Preservation: The plan will preserve 50 existing trees.
- Tree Removal: To accommodate the new design and amenities, 169 trees will need to be removed.
This plan aims to enhance the park’s functionality and aesthetics while increasing the overall number of trees. The images below illustrate the proposed tree modifications and the replacement plan.
Next Steps
Community outreach is ongoing. The City is hosting Parnell Park Improvement Plan Preview community outreach at Parnell Park Concerts in the Park beginning at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 27, July 11, and August 1, 2024.
City staff will present project details an seek additional feedback during a community meeting scheduled for Wednesday, August 21, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. at Parnell Park (15390 Lambert Road).
Following the completion of final design specifications, the project will be presented to the City Council for final consideration. For more information, contact the Parks, Recreation, and Community Services Department at (562) 567-9400 or PKS@cityofwhittier.org.