Commission approves funding for playground replacements, animal shelter and airport improvements

The Measure J Commission approved additional funding last week for five city projects, including two playground replacements, improvements at the Palm Springs Animal Shelter and up to $1.5 million for Palm Springs International Airport (PSP) upgrades.

At its regular monthly meeting Oct. 16, the commission approved $200,000 in additional funding for an $800,000 playground replacement project at Desert Highland Park. The project will replace two older play areas with one new tramway-themed structure featuring the city’s first ADA transfer slide, according to Nick Gonzalez, director of parks and recreation.

The funding appropriation will go to Palm Springs City Council for final approval in November. If approved, the city would begin the project early next year.

The commission also approved the airport’s request for up to $1.5 million for two capital improvement projects. The funding comes from airport-specific funds generated from aviation fuel sales, which FAA regulations require be used for airport projects.

The Airport Commission first recommended the projects to the Measure J Commission, which approved them for city council consideration.

The first airport project involves replacing terminal seating with designs “more in line with mid-century modern” to bring a “more unique feel” to the airport, according to Victoria Carpenter, assistant director at the Palm Springs International Airport.

The second project would add a federal inspection station, potentially allowing the airport to offer international destinations beyond Canada. The station’s completion date would be in fiscal year 2027 or 2028, meaning additional international flights remain at least a few years away.

At Ruth Hardy Park, the commission approved $110,000 in additional funding for a playground replacement project already underway. The project has an estimated completion date of Dec. 23.

The additional funding will cover contingency costs and unplanned expenditures, including additional labor costs and the removal of an old sewer manhole discovered under the project site.

The Palm Springs Animal Shelter received approval for $17,274 in additional funding for its shade structure project. The funds will cover price increases that have occurred since the project’s initial approval.

All funding recommendations require city council approval.

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