On Tuesday, the Oakley City Council will hold a work session to discuss a new idea when it comes to the 55-acre park at the north end of Sellers Avenue.
This comes after a community meeting was held on March 29 where 35 people attended and provided feedback–that data is not being released ahead of Tuesdays meeting and will instead be compiled and presented, along with survey results at an another community meeting in July.
While baseball and softball advocates have been pushing for a plan that includes four baseball fields, the belief to some within Oakley is four fields would be too tight on the space and would only serve some segments of the community. Oakley City Manager Josh McMurray is bringing forward an alternative idea Tuesday in an effort to discuss the idea of utilizing its waterfront access for better delta access and usage.
Being presented Tuesday, is a new concept would focus more on capitalizing on the park’s location and water access as the Oakley aims to establish its identity as a destination for boating, fishing and activities that center around the delta. City Staff is seeking feedback from the council on an updated plan that would include water access for both motorized and non-motorized vessels, parking areas, potential camping spots and locations for day-use at the site.
McMurray said over the weekend the goal was to bring a new idea to the council to get them to think about shoreline access before park plans get more set in stone in the future.
“We would like to see if the Council has interest, those would be water and recreational uses. For example a boat launch ramp and docs, day use areas, camp sites, etc… We don’t want to present options to the public at the July meeting without getting feedback from the City Council first,” said McMurray.
McMurray admitted past plans to establish Oakley as a destination for boating and fishing have been minimal in the past, he is working to change that–such as city sponsored fishing tournaments that are launching out of Bethel Island.
“Although there was a commitment in the past to attracting fishing tournaments, it was not robust. I have changed that, partnered with the Wild West Bass Trail and MLF and am actively getting events to be run in Oakley rather than on Bethel Island. I would like this to continue and this park site could help that effort,” said McMurray. “It is our only City owned access to the water. The Council has asked we try and activate the shoreline, this would accomplish that. The Big Break Marina is an option now, but a City owned facility closer to the Bethel Island area would be a more desirable location for boaters and fisherman. The intent, from my perspective, would not be have a full service marina, but instead components like the launch ramp and docks.”
Oakley’s park discussion comes as the same time the City of Brentwood on Tuesday is moving forward with its own plan for a Sand Creek Sports Complex–focused around soccer. However, the council approved $19.2 million in funding and project costs are now estimated at $31 million for the nearly 34 acre park.
During Tuesdays meeting, the Oakley City Council will hear the updated idea from McMurray along with ideas from the past. The council will then provide direction before the city holds another public meeting.
Ultimately, the clock is ticking for the City Council to have to make a decision on whether to turn this into a baseball facility (sports complex) with park amenities built around it, or find a another location for a sports complex and instead go all in on fishing and water recreation that focuses on the delta.
As soon as they set a plan, it would allow them to begin seeking grants and raising funds to actually build the park and open it for use to the public.
History:
- Nov 20, 2022 – Oakley Councilman Suggests Affordable Housing in Place of 55-Acre Park
- Sept 13, 2021 – City of Oakley to Hold Work Session for Possible Polo Field at 55-Acre Park
- June 25, 2019 – Oakley Seeks Input on What the Name of $50 Million Park Should Be
- Dec 30, 2018 – Oakley Set to Discuss $50 Million Community Park Project
Oakley City Council Meeting
Tuesday, June 13 at 6:30 pm
Oakley City Hall
Staff Report – click here
