Learn about current park closures and updates.
How many people currently use the park?
There are approximately 53,000 annual park visitors.
Why was this site within the park selected?
After a thorough site analysis by DPR staff, it is the only open space large enough to accommodate a basketball half-court.
Are there any other public outdoor basketball courts within Julian?
There are no publicly accessible courts within Julian.
How is this project being funded?
It is being funded through PLDO funds – Area 40 Palomar Julian and Julian Improvement Impact Fee.
Why does the construction cost significantly more than a comparable private residential basketball court?
Contracts for public projects adhere to the CA Public Contract Code, and include provisions related to prevailing wage rates, labor compliance, bonds, and insurance coverage. This project also requires professional design services to ensure quality and safety standards are met. Public projects are also required by CEQA to have cultural and environmental monitoring during construction to safeguard sensitive resources.
Is there community support for this project?
Yes, this project has the support of the Julian Basketball Association, the Jess Martin Park Advisory Committee and the Julian Community Planning Group. The project was included in their PLDO Priority List for FY 2023-24.
Which standards are the court size, layout and materials based on?
It is based on US high school standards. Length: 42 feet; Width 50 feet
Is the court orientation ideal for a basketball court?
Yes, the recommended orientation is North-South to avoid morning and afternoon sun affecting play.
Is the post fixed or movable? Is the height adjustable?
It is recommended that the post be fixed for security and safety purposes. The specifications of the post and backboard will be finalized during the creation of construction documentation.
Lighting will not be installed since the park closes at sunset.
Is the court designed to accommodate other sports such as pickle ball or volleyball?
The court will be striped to accommodate one pickleball court.
Aside from the court, will there be other supporting elements such as benches, drinking fountains, trash bins, etc.?
The court will also include a bench, trash cans, and storage for mobile pickleball nets.
Will you be able to reserve the court?
If community interest emerges, the park operations team may evaluate reservation options, ensuring that any such system is balanced with the court’s regular day-to-day use.
Will existing vegetation and/or trees be removed from the project area?
No, there is no existing native vegetation in the project area that will be removed.
Does the project comply with CEQA?
Yes, the project complies with CEQA Exemptions 15301 Existing Facilities and 15303 New Construction or Conversion of Small Structures.
Will cultural monitoring and nesting bird surveys be conducted during construction?
Yes, cultural monitoring will be required during ground-disturbing activities and nesting bird surveys will be required during the nesting season. (Feb 1 – Sep 15 for general bird nesting season, Jan 15 for raptors.)
Is it safe to have overhead power lines adjacent to the court?
The team worked closely with SDG&E to make sure the court will be in a safe location. The post/backboard is also located away from the utility lines.
Can balls accidentally bounce or roll onto the adjacent highway 79?
Existing trees, shrubs, and a 5’ elevation difference between the proposed court and Highway 79 (the highway is higher than the park) will minimize the chance of balls going onto the road.
