City Efforts Ramp-up for Renovation of
La Mesa's Oldest Park

La Mesa, CA…In an ongoing commitment to providing quality open spaces and parks, the City of La Mesa will begin some required tree removal work for the Collier Park Renovations Project, which will require closure of portions of the park from January 10-14, 2022.

The City’s tree contractor, West Coast Arborists, will remove roughly twenty-one (21) trees within the work area for the proposed improvements. The large Magnolia tree, near the Spring House, will remain. The timber from the Eucalyptus trees will be recycled and repurposed as site furnishings and nature playgrounds elements at Collier and other City parks.

This tree removal work must be completed prior to the start of the bird nesting season on January 15, to avoid delays to the much-anticipated start of construction for the park’s rehabilitation this summer. These trees will be replaced as part of the project.

“For 41 years, the City of La Mesa has earned the designation as a Tree City USA, which underscores our commitment to the urban tree canopy and the crucial role green spaces play in our Climate Action Plan,” said La Mesa City Manager, Greg Humora. “We want to reassure the public that these trees will be replaced, as we look forward to the continued growth of our urban canopy.”

About the Project
Collier Park is the oldest of La Mesa's parks. The planned renovation of this neighborhood park is part of a long term project to improve and update the park based on community input through a master plan, adopted in 2013, with additional input gathered in 2018. For the next phase of improvements, the proposed $3.5 million project is being completed with funding allocated from various sources.

These planned renovations will bring Collier Park into the 21st century, as a premier park, complete with construction of recreational facilities and other important improvements, including: new restrooms, lighted tennis/pickleball court, shaded playground/fitness area, looping ADA compliant access path around the park; security cameras, site lighting, new parking, a picnic shelter, sidewalks, enhanced plazas; upgraded landscaping, including a mix of turf, trees, low water use vegetation, and storm water quality enhancements.

Construction is anticipated to begin in the summer of 2022, which will require closing the current park and courts. The project should be completed in late 2023.

For more information, please visit the project’s webpage or email the City of La Mesa’s news desk at news@cityoflamesa.us.