Posy Park
As part of the Caltrain San Bruno Grade Separation project in late 2010, Posy Park was relocated, and a water feature was installed as part of the overall project.
Shortly following completion of the Grade Separation Project, several noticeable defects appeared in the water feature. Rust spots from exposed rebar and various cracks in the concrete are easily visible throughout the fountain's painted concrete. Inspection of the fountain water proofing showed signs of bubbling and peeling thus exposing the concrete underneath. A leak was subsequently found. As a result of these defects, the fountain has been inoperative for the past 4 to 5 years.
The City was awarded $200,000 in Measure K funding from The County of San Mateo in May 2022 with a deadline to expend the funds by December 31, 2024. Design work for this project will begin in early 2024 and the project is expected to be completed in FY2025-26. This project will repair the fountain waterproofing and structural damage; repurpose the fountain into landscaping; incorporate a mural onto the fountain structure; and provide additional seating and bike storage, as well as provide other amenities.
FEBRUARY
Posey Park continued with progress on site furnishings and fountain repairs. WH conducted a site walkthrough to review the condition of the newly applied membrane finish and exterior paint; the exterior paint was found to be in good condition with even coverage and a close match to the existing color. Some cracking was observed in the fountain’s membrane finish, primarily in corner areas, and Burkett’s crew returned to apply an additional coat to address the issue. The Marina crew completed installation of the new site furnishings, including planters, overflow systems, soil placement, and the final trash receptacle, with all furnishings now installed on site. Shrubs for the planters were delivered but planting has been temporarily postponed pending confirmation of the final drainage approach by the project architect. Additionally, WaterWorks continued fountain system improvements by installing valves to regulate water flow between basins and completing installation of the fountain nozzle covers, with minor adjustments made to ensure proper fit following the membrane application. The remaining bench seat separator has been ordered and is expected to be delivered and installed in early March.
JANUARY
During the month of January, the contractor continued making steady progress on site improvements. Rebar was installed at two of the three basin locations and successfully passed City inspection. Concrete placement began at one basin, with efforts underway to complete all three basins as additional concrete becomes available. Plumbing to the top basin was pressure tested and passed inspection, with visual confirmation documented for the project record. Following completion of the concrete work, the contractor will proceed with installing waterproof membrane at several basins and two lower retention areas. Remaining tasks include crack repairs on vertical surfaces, installation of stainless steel weirs at the spillways, cleanup of the mechanical room prior to demobilization, and final painting of vertical surfaces and stem walls. Based on current progress, the contractor remains on schedule to complete the work by the end of next week, with continued monitoring and documentation by WHB.
JANUARY
City entered into contract with architectural design firm CALA to prepare design development documents delineating the park improvements.
NOVEMBER
At the November 9, 2024 Regular Meeting, the City Council appropriated $375,000 from the Park In-Lieu Fund for the project.
OCTOBER
On October 10, 2024 staff provided a report to Council to consider adoption of a resolution to revise the Scope of Work for the Posy Park Improvement Project, Council approved the revised scope of work that includes the repair and restoration of the fountains as functional water features.
The Posy Park Improvements Project was revitalized in Fall 2023 with staff initiating an analysis of the condition of the fountain by WaterWorks, the original contractor, and the feasibility of repairing the fountain rather than transforming the fountain to planters.
WaterWorks identified the issues associated with the fountain which include a break in the pipe under two of the upper basins, inadequate water proofing of the fountain resulting in rusting and rebar exposure, and discoloration due to the location of the fountain nozzles.
Staff requested and were granted an extension of the Measure K grant until June 30, 2025 for $200,000 in funding related to the project. Staff requested and received approval from Supervisor Pine’s office to amend the scope of work
APRIL
At the April 21, 2021 Special Meeting of City Council, Staff presented several project design concepts for improvements to Posy Park to celebrate the space as a gateway to San Bruno.
Posy Park is a street level plaza flanked by concrete staircases and ramping that lead to the Caltrain platform. It is primarily a hardscaped area with few amenities to offer public use or engagement. The focal point of the plaza is a large fountain that is currently inoperative due to failure of its concrete structure, waterproofing sealant and plumbing infrastructure.
At their April meeting, Council selected an improvement option estimated at $500,000 that includes repurposing the fountain basins as landscaping elements, creating a site-specific artwork, and incorporating more purposeful seating elements to create a place with more interest for downtown visitors. The proposed improvement project was intended to transform the hardscaped plaza into an inviting park space to be enjoyed while waiting to meet family, friends, or colleagues who travel through this transportation portal.
The total cost estimate in 2021 for the Posy Park Improvement Project was $575,000. The 2021 estimates were based on the feedback from City Council for the scope of work to include repurposing the fountain to planters, new furniture and fixtures, addition of bike lockers, addition of mosaic murals, updates to landscaping, new trash receptacles, and other site work.