SACRAMENTO COUNTY, Calif. — Fair Oaks residents voted to pass Measure J in 2018 to give its park district $26.9 million for improvement and expansion of recreation facilities.
Now, in 2024, the Fair Oaks Recreation and Park District (FORPD) is working with the funds on major projects identified in the measure’s ballot language, including renovations to gathering and performing arts spaces.
Nearly $8M goes toward amphitheater remodel
Fair Oaks’ most expensive project on its community list of undertakings is the Veterans Memorial Amphitheatre Remodel.
The remodel began fall 2020 and is expected to be done in winter 2024. The project’s budget totals $7.9 million, and it's being used to remodel the existing amphitheater stage building to include a lobby, dressing rooms, recreation rooms and an enclosed black box theater, according to FORPD.
A May update, part of those posted monthly to the district’s website, saw heating, ventilation and air condition (HVAC) units set and smoke hatches installed on the roof.
“A manufacturer for the problematic truss panels has been out to the site to meet with the construction team in order to provide alternative methods of anchoring the equipment so as to avoid the heat-related issues we’ve been experiencing,” the update read. “The construction team is confident that these proposed methods will see positive results.”
$7.4M is dedicated to Village and Plaza parks
Village and Plaza parks within the FORPD are undergoing redevelopment. The project began around fall 2020 and is expected to be completed in the winter. The project is estimated around $7.4 million.
The updated park will include a walking path connecting Plaza Park and Village Park, the district said. The parking area in front of the Community Clubhouse will be redesigned and expanded by approximately 20 spots.
A small stage is planned in Plaza Park for performances and events, and the playground will be replaced with new equipment.
Live footage of construction can be viewed HERE.
$3M goes to Community Clubhouse
The Fair Oaks Community Clubhouse renovations began spring 2020 and are slated for completion by winter. The total project budget is $3 million.
Renovations include updated Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessibility via a new front entrance ramp, a modernized HVAC system and better restrooms.
Some sidewalks have been completed while others await concrete pouring.
“It’s becoming very easy to begin to see what the final product will look like in the area,” FORPD wrote in its May update online.
As part of the Measure J master plan, two new softball fields are expected to be added to Phoenix Park. The Phoenix Park project budget is approximately $5.5 million; its projected start and end dates have yet to be determined.
Playground surface replacement will also occur at multiple parks.
