A chain-link fence surrounding Andrew H. Young Park will be removed and construction will be nearly complete for the park dedication May 22, Public Works representatives and construction workers said this week.
“We’ve got a lot to do. They’ve got us on a tight schedule,” said Raul Rico, who is heading the project for KOO Construction.
The ceremony will honor the late Andrew H. Young, an Alamo spokesperson and lobbyist, with five speeches, songs from a local choir and the presentation of a plaque. It will begin at 6 p.m. on the corner of Danville Boulevard and Jackson Way and is expected to be done before dark.
Attendees are encouraged to park at Oak Tree Plaza, the neighboring shopping center, said Gina Ferretti, South County Field Representative for District 3.
“We cleared it with the owner Brent Tucker and he said attendees are more than welcome to park there,” Ferretti said.
Surrounding businesses have been very supportive, said Alicia Watson, R-7A parks and recreation committee member.
“I expect people will (also) park in the lot at the Alamo Safeway,” Watson said.
“There are always the side streets and it’s at 6 p.m., so things should be wrapping up as far as business,” said Lisa Carnahan of Public Works.
Ferretti is also working closely with local deputies and volunteers to help coordinate parking and driving safety, she said.
One hundred and fifty invitations were sent out to Young’s friends and to committee members in the area. It is also open to the public. Refreshment tables, along with 50 chairs for seniors, will be set up.
“We want to do this particularly for the people who knew Andrew H. Young,” said R-7A member Marianne Sasso.
While the turnout is expected to fill the small park, R-7A members said they have no way of telling how many people will attend.
“I don’t think it will have the same turnout as the tree lighting, but it would be great if it did,” Supervisor Mary N. Piepho said.
Watson said it’s hard to predict a turnout because Young touched the lives of so many people. He was known for taking part in local civic groups and for being outspoken about issues concerning the preservation of Alamo’s rural nature.
“He’s so special to so many people,” Watson said.
Carnahan guessed a couple hundred people would attend.
Longtime companion of Young, Jeannine Kikkert, said aside from his civic involvement he was known in the community for his frank way of speaking and for his kindness.
“He was such an honest person,” she said.
In 1977, Young was named San Ramon Valley Citizen of the Year and his efforts to serve the public were recognized. He was a member of the Steering Committee for San Ramon Valley Regional Medical Center and the Tao House study committee in Danville. He was also an executive director for Contra Costa County Historical Society, president of the Alamo Park Foundation and chairman of the Boulevard of Trees project.
Originally the ceremony was scheduled for April 26 but it was pushed back because of the long rainy season, R-7A members said. Former Chief of Staff Ryan Klobas said District 3 chose to extend the date after Kikkert asked them to make it closer to the anniversary of Young’s death. Klobas said the extension had nothing to do with the refurbishing being incomplete.
Kikkert said she had agreed extending the date would be better so that weather would be nicer and construction would be finished.
“We’re very excited about moving this forward,” Piepho said.
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