BURBANK : City Plans to Upgrade McCambridge Park

The city of Burbank plans to spend almost $200,000 to upgrade McCambridge Park, the largest city park, the parks and recreation director said Thursday.

The plans include a new tennis program and renovations of the park’s softball fields, basketball courts and volleyball courts.

A log cabin which has been abandoned and deteriorating for years is to be torn down and the city also plans to build new public restrooms, Parks and Recreation Director Mary Alvord said Thursday.

The park has not had a major renovation in more than 40 years.

“I think this will have a real citywide impact especially with the tennis center,” Alvord said. At 17 acres, McCambridge is the largest of Burbank’s 21 parks. It is also one of the few that draws people from all over Burbank because of its playing fields and facilities.

The Parks and Recreation Department is planning ask the City Council for approval of the facilities upgrade later this month, Alvord said.

Meanwhile, the Board of Parks and Recreation is drawing up a master plan for the park, which officials say will be ready later this year.

That plan will take a wider look at the park facilities, seeking ways to eliminate problems such as vandalism.

“Overall, what we’re trying to do is upgrade the entire park and really give it a face lift,” Alvord said.