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The ultimate goal is to develop a sustainable strategy to maintain and operate a high-quality parks and recreation system over time. This section provides a summary of cost estimates to assist the City in budgeting for park construction, lifecycle improvements, and ongoing maintenance. All cost estimates are presented in 2025 dollars. It is recommended to apply a 3-5% annual escalation to account for inflation. Estimates do not include the demolition of existing infrastructure or “soft” costs. FIGURE 5.1 | Total Cost of Ownership TOTAL COST OF OWNERSHIP Total cost of ownership is a straightforward yet often overlooked concept: parks require funding not only for construction but also for ongoing maintenance and long- term sustainability. While allocating one-time funds for park construction through a Capital Improvement Program can result in the gratifying addition of a new park, it is equally important to account for the annual incremental increase in maintenance and lifecycle replacement costs. CAPITAL INVESTMENT OPERATIONS + MAINTENANCE LIFECYCLE REPLACEMENTS TOTAL COST OF OWNERSHIP Capital Investments Capital investments encompass both enhancements to existing parks and facilities as well as the construction of new ones. Understanding the costs associated with these improvements is essential for the City to incorporate them into its annual budget effectively. A strategic approach to capital investments ensures that resources are prioritized and allocated efficiently to maintain and expand the City’s parks and recreation system to meeting the community’s growing and evolving needs. IMPROVING EXISTING PARKS & FACILITIES Investing in existing parks is crucial for addressing aging infrastructure, improving functionality, and enhancing user experiences. Table 5.2 outlines the recommended capital improvements for existing parks and facilities, along with their associated estimated costs. These improvements primarily focus on adding in-demand amenities to ensure the City’s parks more effectively meet residents’ needs. NEW PARKS & FACILITIES Expanding the park system is a key priority of the Recreation and Parks Master Plan. To meet this goal, the plan recommends that the City establish an annual budget for acquisition and development of new parks, trails, and recreation facilities. This funding will support efforts to address gaps in park access, provide diverse recreational opportunities, and accommodate the City’s growing population. As noted later in this chapter, there are many funding sources available to help meet this goal. Operations & Maintenance Regular maintenance is essential to ensure the City’s parks remain safe, functional, and inviting spaces for recreation. Maintenance activities include basic landscape care, irrigation operation and repair, and the upkeep of restrooms and other park amenities. An assessment of park operations and maintenance was conducted to evaluate current service levels, staff hours, and associated costs. When compared to industry best practices, the analysis identified the need for an additional $302,000 in annual funding to adequately maintain San Leandro’s park system. This funding would support the hiring of 2.5 additional Full-Time Equivalents (FTEs), ensuring sufficient staffing to meet maintenance demands and sustain the quality of park services. PARK AND FACILITY MAINTENANCE STAFFING NEEDED: 17 2.5 19.5Current Park and Facility Staff Additional Needed Total Needed San Leandro Park Master Plan | 84 DRAFT DRAFT 85 | Realizing Our Vision