I. RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends that the City Council review the Outdoor Food Court Concept Plan and provide direction to the City Manager on whether to proceed with final design development and preparation of detailed cost estimates for the project.
II. BACKGROUND:
As part of the City’s continued efforts to enhance downtown activation, support local businesses, and create additional community gathering spaces, staff has been exploring the concept of establishing an Outdoor Food Court within the downtown area. The concept is intended to create a vibrant public space that can support food vendors, small local businesses, and community events while encouraging increased foot traffic in the downtown corridor.
Outdoor food courts have become increasingly popular in communities across California as a way to activate underutilized spaces, provide opportunities for small and emerging food vendors, and create welcoming public gathering areas for residents and visitors.
Staff has worked with consultants to prepare an initial concept plan that illustrates how such a space could function within the City. The concept plan is intended to show potential layout, amenities, and programming opportunities. At this stage, the plan is conceptual only and is presented to Council to receive policy direction before additional design work and cost estimating is undertaken.
III. DISCUSSION:
The Outdoor Food Court concept is envisioned as a flexible, family-friendly gathering space designed to support food vendors, community events, and daily activity in the downtown area. The design focuses on creating a welcoming, walkable environment where residents and visitors can gather, dine, and enjoy community programming.
Key amenities included in the concept plan include:
Vendor Spaces
Designated areas for food trucks, food trailers, or vendor kiosks that may include utility connections such as electricity and water to support rotating food vendors and small local businesses.
Central Dining and Gathering Area
A shared seating area with a mix of communal tables, picnic seating, and shaded areas where visitors can gather and enjoy food from multiple vendors.
Shade and Landscaping
Shade structures, trees, and landscaping elements intended to provide comfort during warmer months while enhancing the visual appeal of the space.
Stage or Performance Area
A small stage designed to accommodate live music, performances, and community programming that can activate the space during evenings and special events.
Lighting and Safety Features
Decorative and pedestrian lighting designed to create a safe and inviting atmosphere during evening hours.
Family-Friendly Activity Area
A small play or activity area intended to make the space welcoming for families and encourage longer visits.
Restroom Facilities
The concept contemplates restroom facilities either through a permanent structure or nearby access depending on final design considerations.
Flexible Event Space
Open areas designed to accommodate pop-up markets, community gatherings, and other events that support downtown activity.
If the City Council provides direction to proceed, staff will move forward with the following steps:
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Refinement of the conceptual plan into a detailed preliminary design.
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Preparation of construction cost estimates.
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Evaluation of potential funding sources and phasing options.
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Development of an operational concept for vendor use and event programming.
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Return to the City Council with final design recommendations and project budget for consideration.
IV. ALTERNATIVES:
None at this time.
V. FISCAL IMPACT:
The City budgeted $100,000.00 for design of the food court project and as cost estimates are developed, staff will propose a FY2027 budget for the construction and activation of the project. |