The Goleta City Council approved a construction contract Tuesday for its Mathilda Park renovation project.
The council unanimously selected Kern County-based company KYA Services LLC and approved the construction contract for $404,897.57.
The park at 311 Mathilda Dr. will get a new playground, defined turf space, drought-tolerant landscaping, improved drainage, and a renovated walkway to meet Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements, according to John Plummer, the city’s principal engineer.
“Thank you for the opportunity to come into the community and serve you guys and we look forward to the end of this when it is all said and done to perform an acceptable project,” KYA Services project manager Lorenzo Rodriguez said.
Mathilda Park was identified in 2019 in Goleta’s improvement project to undergo renovations.
The city was supposed to have selected a company by February 2024, but the bid amounts were too far over the engineer’s estimate. So, the city held another round of bidding that was reviewed in August 2025. Five companies submitted their bids, with KYA Services, LLC and Western State Builders, Inc. having the lowest amounts.
However, the city faced more delays awarding a contract after Western State Builders, Inc. filed a bid protest alleging that KYA Services, LLC did not fulfill requirements of certain state contract codes and its subcontractor did not hold playground installation certifications.
However, city staff found KYA Services, LLC to be in compliance and rejected Western State Builders, Inc’s protest.
Western State Builders, Inc. was scheduled to present to the council but was not present at the Tuesday night meeting, leaving KYA Services, LLC. no argument to refute.
The council also authorized the Public Works Director to approve contract change orders for the park improvement project at $80,979. Additionally, the council approved a construction management contract with Vanir Construction Management, Inc at $100,275 that includes inspection and material testing services.
Construction is anticipated to begin in November, but is dependent on contractor and material availability and weather according to city spokesperson Kelly Hoover.
