Orinda's $4.8M Community Park revamp narrows to two designs

Orinda residents can weigh in on a $4.8 million overhaul of Community Park before the city finalizes playground plans in December, choosing between a nature-themed design and an art deco concept.

Mayor Brandyn Iverson said the project has been a long time coming. "We have been waiting for years to update the playground areas and just freshen up the layout," Iverson told The Orinda News on Wednesday, Aug. 26.

The two concepts would completely revamp both playground areas. Concept A uses brown and yellow tones with a larger slide and nature-inspired structures. Concept B mirrors the art deco style at Moraga Commons Park. Both feature climbing structures, ropes, swings, soft rubber decking and slides for kids of all ages.

Under either plan, play structures will cover more ground than the current layout, leaving less open grass in the center. The city will keep the circular path and add new fencing around the entire play area.

The playground is just one piece. The full project spans four phases: accessibility and parking with restroom upgrades; the play area redesign; a new bandshell and reservable picnic area improvements; and pathway, lighting and landscaping work. The $4.8 million estimate does not include design or construction management costs. The play area phase alone carries a $1.2 million price tag, according to city staff.

The Orinda City Council first laid out this phased approach, including the bandshell and accessibility priorities, at a Dec. 2, 2025 meeting, where members directed staff to target June 1 for completing the restroom and accessibility upgrades.

Iverson called the bandshell "maybe the most exciting feature," tying it to the city's push to expand summer evening programming. He noted the redesign will bring younger and older play areas closer together instead of keeping them far apart.

Councilmember Latika Malkani called the upgrade "long overdue" and praised the comprehensive new designs.

Parks and Recreation Director Todd Trimble said the department has been conducting outreach in person and on social media. The city promoted the survey at its National Night Out gathering on Tuesday, Aug. 4, at the park.

Tennis courts, the half-court tennis wall and hilltop picnic areas will remain untouched.

Residents can view both concepts and take the community survey through the city's website at cityoforinda.gov.

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