San Rafael’s Pickleweed Park renovation to begin this fall

After more than a decade of planning, an artificial turf playing field, a new basketball court and more are coming to Pickleweed Park in the Canal neighborhood of San Rafael.

The City Council authorized staff this month to hire Bauman Landscape and Construction for the park renovation. The park is adjacent to the Albert J. Boro Community Center at 50 Canal St.

The contract, including a 10% contingency, equals $7.78 million. It was approved without discussion at the council’s July 15 meeting.

“Pickleweed Park is a vital part of our community,” said Catherine Quffa, the city’s library and recreation director. “These enhancements incorporate years of community input and will ensure that the park continues to be a welcoming and inclusive space for all.”

Joanna Kwok, assistant public works director and city engineer, said the lead aspect of the project is replacing the heavily used grass sports field with an all-weather artificial turf field that would be useable year-round. The grass fields are off limits for maintenance from December through mid-June.

“The project is a major initiative aimed at revitalizing one of the city’s most beloved recreational spaces,” Kwok said. “This project has been a community priority for more than 15 years. During this time, extensive community outreach has guided the proposed enhancements to meet community needs and interests.”

Kwok said the project was made possible by a $4.24 million grant awarded about two years ago from the National Park Service Land and Water Conservation Fund.

Marina Palma, a community activist and coordinator of the Canal Mini Soccer League, said the artificial turf field is a big win for the community.

“I feel so immensely happy that something that community members, volunteers, Canal Alliance and others have always advocated for is finally becoming a reality,” Palma said.

Palma said Pickleweed is the only open green space in the Canal neighborhood, and soccer is the No. 1 sport for many residents.

Palma said the league only offers one season outdoors because of maintenance restrictions. An additional two seasons are offered at the gym when the field is closed.

For the past three years, the Canal Futbol Club has held clinics at the field, but only in the summer.

“I think that this renovation will be a great opportunity for the whole community to enjoy the whole year around,” Palma said.

The project will also include a new play area for children ages 2 to 5; adult exercise equipment; new walkways and entrances that meet accessibility standards; a gazebo picnic area near the soccer fields; a new restroom; sustainable landscaping with native and drought resistant plants; and the addition of 19 parking stalls.

The project was advertised in May. Bauman Landscape and Construction was selected from a pool of four bidders.

Construction is expected to begin in September and to wrap up in early 2025, weather permitting. During construction, portions of the park will be temporarily closed, including the soccer fields.

“We are grateful for the community’s input and support in bringing this vision to life,” Quffa said.