2 Parks Considered for Access Improvements

Westlake Village officials are considering the renovation of two city parks to bring them into compliance with the federal Americans with Disabilities Act.

The project would cost $180,000, City Manager Ray Taylor said. Of that, he said, $114,000 would come from park bond monies, and the remainder from the city’s general fund. The City Council is scheduled to vote at 7:30 tonight on whether to approve the plan and open the public bidding process.

In February, the council authorized city staff to draw up plans for the work. Berniece Bennett Park, which was built in the 1960s, would need extensive renovations to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act, said Taylor, including more accessible playground equipment, wheelchair-accessible ramps from the parking lot to the park and upgrading of restrooms.

Taylor recommends that the city also upgrade the park’s irrigation system, which is badly in need of repair.

Three Springs Park, which was built in the 1980s, needs minor renovations to comply with the act, city officials said.

The bidding period would run from April 18 to May 14. Construction would begin in June and take about a month, under a plan submitted by Taylor.