Public Works has plans for Shafter in 2024

If you drove by Stringham Park on Monday, you might have seen the city taking down a few trees on the site, but not to worry – they will be replaced.

Public Works Director Michael James said that the move is part of the Stringham Park Improvement Project. "The project does require the removal of a few trees at certain areas of the park, but there will still be the same amount of trees at the park when the project is completed," James said.

Stringham Park will be the new home for the Regional Transit Bus route and station. The area along Lerdo Highway, as well as part of the James Street side of the park will hold the bus stop, which includes a shaded bench area and parking spots. James said that one of the trees that was removed has already been relocated to Veterans Park. There also will be several mature trees that will be planted in a different area of the park.

The project is expected to be done in the first quarter of 2024. The cost of the project was funded by a Clean California grant and is expected to cost around $1 million.

There are other projects that have the Public Works Department working hard to making the city beautiful, as well as functional.

Almost near completion is the James Street Streetlight Enhancement Project, which has the addition of new street lights along James Street, getting the area wel-lit and more attractive.

A project that will be started construction on in the first quarter of 2024 is the long-awaited Shafter Aquatic Center improvement project. The project will cost about $3 million and is being funded by a federal grant. Construction will begin in early 2024, with this phase of the project focusing on making the pool functional and possible to be reopened. It is expected to be completed by the summer of 2024.

Also beginning construction next month is the Skatepark Equipment Replacement Project. Located East Euclid Avenue, at the site of the Shafter Youth Center, this project will include new skate park equipment, resurfacing of the concrete and some landscaping and lighting. The project has a budget of around $800,000.

Projects just in the beginning design phases are appraisals of right-of-way needed for the Roundabout Project at Highway 43 and Los Angeles Avenue. There also are design services being contracted for the Sidewalk and Bicycle Lane Improvements at Highway 43 in North Shafter. The design services have been budgeted at $100,000.