A sign greets visitors to Baja Park, where the city hopes to install not only more shade but also signs identifying the plant species along the path.
Palm Desert parks staff provided updates Tuesday on improvement projects at facilities throughout the city, highlighting completed maintenance work, projects under construction and others advancing through design and planning stages.
During a regular Parks and Recreation Committee meeting, city staff reported that several items identified during recent park assessments have already been completed, including volleyball net installation, playground surfacing, turf repairs and tree trimming at Civic Center Park, Washington Charter Park and Freedom Park.
Work is ongoing at Cahuilla Hills Park, where construction access and communication measures are in place and restrooms remain closed during active construction, with completion expected by April. Maintenance and signage work is also underway at Homme Adams Park, while inspections continue at Magnesia Falls Park, where additional seating and a dog station are planned.
At Palma Village Park, restroom amenities are being upgraded, including the installation of a baby changing station. Additional seating is planned at University Park East, and citywide signage improvements are moving forward, affecting trailheads and park access points, including the Randall Henderson Trailhead.
The committee received an update on the Baja Park project, which is currently in the construction documents phase, with approximately 75% plans under review. A construction budget has been allocated for the current fiscal year, and staff are working toward securing a building permit for a shade structure as part of the project that includes signage for the different types of plants along the path.
Commissioners serving as park liaisons also shared updates from recent site visits, including design discussions at Freedom Park focused on fitness areas, walkways and accessibility improvements, as well as ongoing coordination related to the Randall Henderson Trailhead, where signage and access enhancements are being planned.
Staff emphasized that many park projects are at different stages of development and that committee feedback gathered through park assessments is being tracked and addressed. The next round of park assessment updates, covering progress from January through March, will be presented later this spring.