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The city of Livermore is finalizing plans and specifications for the first phase of the Springtown Open Space project, officials announced on social media last week.
Located in the foothills of northeast Livermore, this phase of the project is estimated to cost $9,520,000 and will involve construction of an 18-hole disc golf course on 50 acres of open space as well as a new 6.8-acre community park between the Springtown Library and Springtown Homeowner Association facilities.
The Springtown Community Park is set to include playground equipment, a sports fitness area, multi-generational plaza, shade structures, a public restroom, pathways for pedestrians and bikes, community garden, native trees and temporary parking, according to the city’s April 2 social media post. The city hired multidisciplinary design firm, RRM Design Group, to help develop the conceptual plans for the project.
Following finalization of the plans, the city expects to advertise the project for bid this month, officials told Livermore Vine. The city then anticipates entering into an agreement with the lowest responsive and responsible bidder in July.
The contract will be awarded as part of the Livermore City Council’s consent calendar, wherein items are typically considered routine and decided with a single vote. Lastly, construction of Phase 1 is expected to begin in August and be completed by mid-2026.
“Exciting progress is underway,” the city wrote in the post. “Stay tuned for more updates!”
Aerial view of the future Springtown Community Park. (Image courtesy city of Livermore)
Prior to the proposed improvements of the Springtown Open Space, the 85-acre property hosted a nine-hole golf course. Following the closure of the course in 2015, the city began converting the site into open space, according to the city’s website. The land’s designation as open space remains today, through voter-approved Measure FF in the 2016 general election, which requires voters to approve a future change to the open space designation.
Following the city’s community engagement that began in 2016, Livermore completed a final concept plan in 2017 for Springtown Open Space, according to the city website.
The concept plan included playgrounds, on-site parking, restrooms, shade structures, a nine-hole disc golf course, a dog park, sports courts and community gardens, among other amenities. But the approved 2017 plan was put on hold by the city due to a lack of funding available at the time to begin building
The city has since been able to identify funding through its own funds and the Livermore Area Recreation and Park District. As part of the process to move the project forward, the city sought feedback on the concept plan at community meetings in 2023 and 2024. Between those events, the project was added to the city’s 2023-28 capital improvement plan.
Late last year at the Dec. 3 planning commission meeting, the commissioners approved the project’s site plan design review with the addition of traffic calming measures along nearby Bluebell Drive. The commissioners removed Marlin Pound Neighborhood Park from the project scope, as residents expressed noise concerns related to its proposed pickleball courts. Redesigned plans for Marlin Pound will undergo future review by the commission.
Project updates are available on the city’s website.
