CLEARLAKE OAKS – Construction of the Clearlake Oaks Plaza, a project of the Lake County Redevelopment Agency, is set to begin within a few weeks and will return once again a public gathering place to the community of Clearlake Oaks.

On Aug. 5 the Lake County Board of Supervisors awarded a contract for this project to KAT Construction, from Sacramento, CA, in the amount of $914,132.

In the 1920s, when the development of Clearlake Oaks began, a community park was created on the site known as “The Plaza,” which included a pavilion where dances where held out-of-doors, and space for other community gatherings.

However, the park facility fell into disrepair due to vandalism, and in the 1990s, the park was paved over and made into a parking lot.

The recent completion of Nylander Park, immediately adjacent to Plaza will connect it to Highway 20 and other community improvement projects such as the expanded picnic area for the wine tasting room of Shannon Ridge Vineyards and Winery, as well as a youth center at the United Methodist Community Church.

“The Plaza will complement the recently completed Nylander Park and will provide a more formal gathering place for the residents of Clearlake Oaks,” said Eric Seely, Lake County Deputy Redevelopment Director. “Once construction is completed, the Plaza will once again provide a location for the community to gather for events, bazaars, concerts and other community uses.”

The community of Clearlake Oaks wanted to see the Plaza rebuilt. Information collected from community meetings conducted in 2004 rated restoration of the Plaza as the highest priority for residents of Clearlake Oaks.

“It’s going to be beautiful,” said Pat Grabham, executive director of the Live Oak Senior Center, “and it’s going to be great for The Oaks.”

She also said that everyone loves the new Nylander Park and this will make the entire area even better.

Grabham explained that the County is really taking care of the seniors in Clearlake Oaks by working hand-in-hand with the Live Oak Senior Center. First by ensuring that parking for the center was replaced before construction even began by adding a new parking area behind the senior center, then the County will help repair the Live Oak building.

The Plaza will include trees, a gazebo, lawn and picnic areas, benches and a labyrinth with a stone fountain at its center. The design of the Plaza incorporates a one-way road directed around the park, with angled parking along the park’s perimeter, a technique that will help calm traffic through the area.

“This will be a very special place,” said Denise Rushing, District 3 Supervisor, “and a beautiful addition for Clearlake Oaks residents.”

Funding for the construction of the Plaza will come from a combination of Lake County Redevelopment Agency funds and the Department of Housing and Community Development’s Community Development Block Grant program.

Seely said he anticipates a three-month construction period, with the Plaza open to the public for use by December.

“We appreciate the community’s understanding and cooperation during the construction period while this community asset is developed,” Seely said, “and we think it will be worth it once it’s completed.”

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