CLEARLAKE, Calif. – The city of Clearlake has initiated the process to create a master plan for the development of Highlands Park.

Members of the city staff recently met with representatives of Foothill Associates to begin the process, which includes multiple opportunities for public input.

City Manager Greg Folsom said the process to develop the master plan is expected to take about six months, first requiring the approval of the planning commission and then the city council.

Prior to that, the public will also have opportunity to comment during an open house discussion tentatively scheduled to take place in October.

“We want the participation of the community. We want to know what the citizens want to put here,” Folsom said. “We want a usable park and we want to see people out here.”

Foothill Associates is utilizing details from the Lakeshore Corridor Plan and Clearlake Vision Task Force to begin the process.

The project will include redesign of the parking lot and added amenities such as horseshoe pits, bocce ball courts, beach access, shade structures, walking paths, picnic areas and other details such as restroom facilities, lighting, fencing, safety and security.

Irrigation-friendly options for ground coverings will be explored as well. “We can do other kinds of ground covering (rather than grass) that doesn't need water, with low maintenance,” Kate Kirsh, PLA, Foothill Associates president said.

Construction of the park will include archaeological consideration and cooperation with representatives of the tribal community.

Requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act will be addressed, as well, during the proper phases of the project and as necessary.

Highlands Park is located on Lakeshore Drive at the center of the city's main thoroughfare, adjacent to the future home of the Clear Lake Chamber of Commerce/Lake County Visitors' Center.

Rehabilitation of the office building is a separate community project reliant primarily on the efforts of volunteers. Folsom said the project is coming along. Windows have been installed as has the electricity supply, which involved trenching.

“Representatives from the Koi Nation were there to monitor the trenching because of the proximity to the lake,” Folsom said. “They did find a few artifacts.”

According to project leader Mike Vandiver, volunteers are in place to complete the sheet rock installation, taping and texturing.

Volunteers to help paint will be needed in about two weeks, he said.

Volunteers of all skill levels are encouraged to participate; construction professionals are particularly sought.

For more information, contact the Clearlake Public Works Department at 707-994-8201.

Email reporter Denise Rockenstein at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .