First published in the March 12 print issue of the Burbank Leader.
The city of Burbank is inviting community members to share their feedback on George Izay Park, which will undergo an improvement project, during a public meeting next week.
The meeting, to be held from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Olive Recreation Center, will include a site tour, presentation from city staff members and community design exercise. The workshop is part of the city’s months-long community engagement process to gather input from residents regarding their hopes for future improvements to the park.
Space is limited and registration is required. Registration and more information about the project are available at burbankca.gov/web/parks-recreation/george-izay-park-master-plan.
George Izay Park, located at 1111 W. Olive Ave., features the Burbank Walk of Fame, four baseball fields, a playground, two tennis and pickleball courts, the Joslyn Adult Center and the Olive Recreation Center. City officials believe the public engagement process will conclude by May, according to Burbank’s website on the project, with presentation of recommendations to the City Council slated for around June.
City officials have previously gathered input on park improvements via online surveys. Though those surveys are closed, community members can also submit direct feedback on the project website.
The first online survey, which received more than 800 responses in November, indicated that the biggest issue for most respondents was the new play structure installed last year, with many others pointing to the lack of playground equipment for children ages 5 to 12.
A later survey receiving more than 600 responses found that more than half of respondents wanted to see major renovations to the Olive Recreation Center — with some expressing support for a completely new facility.
The Burbank City Council allocated nearly $160,000 for improvements to George Izay Park during its meeting last week, though officials said what they will spend the funds on will depend on community feedback.
