Xabatin Community Park Project
Aerial photo courtesy of Frank Dollosso
The City celebrated the Grand Opening of the Xabatin (Big Water) Community Park on October 26, 2023!
Click here for ceremony program.
The City of Lakeport invited the community to the grand opening ceremonies for Xabatin Community Park, 800 N. Main Street, on Thursday, October 26, 2023.
The Clear Lake High School band, Lake County Military Honors Team and the Sweet Adelines performed prior to a welcome message by Mayor Stacey Mattina, which was followed by the Invocation and speakers representing Senate Majority Leader Mike McGuire and the Office of Grants and Local Services of the California State Parks.
A land acknowledgement by City Manager Kevin M. Ingram and a blessing by Ron Montez of the Big Valley Band of Pomo Indians reflected the cultural heritage and importance of the site to Native peoples.
The dedication and ribbon cutting ceremony was conducted by Mayor Mattina and Councilmembers Kim Costa, Brandon Disney, Michael Froio and Kenny Parlet.
Activities during the evening featured traditional Native dance performances by the Big Valley Band of Pomo Indians and the Scotts Valley Band of Pomo Indians. Professional skateboarders Eli Reams and Devin Bales were joined by BMX rider Ethan Reams for an exhibition of skills in the new skatepark area.
The City thanks Building Solutions Inc., SSA Architects, Lake Event Designs, Lake County Chamber of Commerce, and the California Department of Parks and Recreation for their respective roles with park construction and the opening ceremony event.
Background on Xabatin Community Park
The City of Lakeport was awarded a $5.9 million grant in April 2020, funded by the State of California Parks and Water Bond (Proposition 68) for the development of a new community park along the city’s lakefront. In addition to funding for the acquisition of the approximately 7 acre proposed park lands, the awarded grant provides funding for the following amenities chosen through an extensive public outreach process:
The City Council awarded a contract to SSA Landscape Architects for planning, design, engineering and project management. After preliminary work it was determined that the grant funding would not cover all of the features outlined in the plan adopted by the community.
In November 2020 the Council authorized $201,336 in one time funding to the City through the California Parks and Recreation Prop 68 Per Capita allocation and $805,570 from the City’s general fund reserve, for a total additional amount of $1,006,906 for the project.
A construction contract was awarded to Builders Solutions, Inc., in August 2022 for $4,399,381. The first working day for the park project was October 17, 2022, with 150 working days in the contract. The wet winter weather and time extensions for extra work contributed to schedule delays with fast progress made in the last two months.
Park Features
Amenities included in the park are the result of input from the public at multiple events conducted during 2020, resulting in high scoring on the grant application. Special features include the extension of the promenade along the lakefront, basketball court, skatepark, Ninja gym, amphitheater, splash pad, public art, multi-use lawn area, sheltered picnic areas, and a bathroom/concession building. Funding also includes a parking lot, landscaping and lighting throughout the park, and a dedicated area for a future boathouse.
Funding from the City made it possible to demolish and remove the remaining school district building on the site and open more space for future development.
Park Name
Xabatin “Big Water” Community Park is derived from the original Native American name for Clear Lake in the Pomo language. The Lakeport City Council adopted the name to acknowledge the significance of the site to Native peoples for centuries.
Contact City Manager Kevin Ingram for more information, 707-263-5615, ext. 104.
Project Updates:
06/26/2023
Natural High Demolition
The remaining portion of the original Main Street Elementary School was demolished this week. It was a bittersweet moment for those of us who attended the Main Street school before the current elementary school on Lange Street opened in the 1975-1976 school year!
05/25/2023
Gazebo Amphitheatre is Constructed
Here is an update video from HD Video Creations showing another step towards the conclusion of the new community park in Lakeport. The Large Concession Stand is constructed, cement paths are progressing, sheltered picnic areas constructed. And Now! the Gazebo...Amphitheater.....is constructed.
02/09/2023
Installation of Concessions Building
We’re excited to share this cool video produced by Hobby Dave Noland showing yesterday’s installation of the new restroom and concessions building at the site of the new Lakefront Park in downtown Lakeport! This is a big step in the project!