Chanticleer Avenue Park

Location: West side of Chanticleer Avenue, about 1/4 mile north of Capitola Road

Project Manager: James Davies

Update: To view the visual presentation from the community meeting held on November 30, 2010, please click here.

Background and History: These two parcels (totaling about 4-1/2 acres) form a site that was initially used for wheat farming, similar to other farms in Live Oak. The farm house located on one parcel (1975 Chanticleer) was designated as a historic resource in 2007. Built in the early 1900’s, the house was the residence for a general farm and was occupied by a family who were active members in the Live Oak community.

During the mid-1900’s, a number of other buildings were constructed on the site including residential apartments, several dwellings, various out-buildings, and a church/preschool. Several of these buildings have been razed over the years due to dilapidated conditions. The 1994 County General Plan designated both parcels to be a park that will serve the surrounding residential neighbors. The Agency acquired the north parcel in 1995, and then the south parcel in 2005 in order to initiate development of this centrally located neighborhood park.

In order to solicit community input for preparation of the Park Master Plan, the Redevelopment Agency and the Parks Department hosted a series of three community meetings:

09/30/08 First Community Meeting - Staff presented a brief overview of the local surroundings, and Live Oak resident Mr. Norm Poitevin provided a display showing some interesting history of the area. The participants were given an opportunity to complete a survey showing interest in existing parks and features that they currently used, and also what they would like to see in this proposed park. Working at tables, each small group was given 3 photo boards that showed multiple features for active, passive, and playground images. Participants indicated their preferences for park features and the workshop concluded with group discussion, questions and comments. Many expressed support for neighborhood park features that serve all ages including play areas, walking paths, community gardens, tennis court, and community use of the historic house, all with a rural-historic design.
11/19/08 Second Community Meeting - Staff presented two conceptual draft plans which synthesize and blend the most common and reoccurring themes, features, and designs based on input by the community and Parks staff. The community attendees reviewed and discussed both of the conceptual plans (A and B) and completed comment cards addressing each conceptual design plan, parking, and use of the historic building. Results were shared with the group by each table and individual comments were also collected. Overall, both plans were well received with comments focused on suggestions for improving the proposed park designs.
03/03/09 Third Community Meeting - Staff presented the final conceptual draft plan which combined the best features of the first two draft plans along with comments from the second meeting. Those in attendance had the opportunity to comment and ask questions. The majority of responses agreed that the goals and objectives, as determined in the previous meetings, have been met in this final concept plan.

Major elements of the Park Master Plan include restoration of the historic home and water tank house, community gardens, preservation of select trees, landscape buffers and groves, orchards, active play areas, natural walking paths, picnic areas, tennis court, off leash dog areas, large open informal turf area, bike pump track, restroom and maintenance building, double bocce ball court, a small skate element, and parking located both off and on the street.

The main vision for the park is to provide a community facility with a variety of recreational opportunities for various community members using an approach that is environmentally founded, compatible with adjacent properties, and enhances the historic character and nature of Live Oak.

To view Concept Plan click here

Project Status: On May 11, 2009, the Parks Commission approved the proposed Park Master Plan. The Park Master Plan was then considered and approved by the Board of Supervisors on August 18, 2009. Preliminary design plans necessary for environmental review and development permits for the historic building and park improvements are being prepared. It is anticipated that construction could begin in 2012.