All five Orinda schools are getting finishing touches as the modernization project funded by voter-approved Measures E and I winds down.
Summer 2026 is largely a continuation of work that began last year that includes new windows, better roofs and insulation, ADA upgrades, fresh paint and classroom tech (HDMI for audiovisual equipment) across campuses.
As was the case last summer, the impact on Orinda community and sports activities will be relatively minor, according to Todd Trimble, director of the Orinda Parks and Recreation Department.
Trimble said the school district provided plenty of advance warning about facilities closures, allowing them to avoid program disruptions.
Under a deal reached a few years ago, the Orinda Department of Parks and Recreation has maintained the school district’s sports fields and the gym at Wagner Ranch in exchange for access to the facilities and the ability to rent them to the public during non-school hours.
“We’re very appreciative of our partnership with Orinda schools and their advance warnings of closures,” he said. “As a result, we have been able to refer most people to other facilities.”
In November 2018, Orinda voters approved the two bond measures for a total of $105 million. Measure I, a $55 million facility bond, was designated to upgrade classroom air conditioning, electrical, fire safety, security lighting, communications, camera systems and classrooms locks.
Measure E approved borrowing $50 million to update science, technology, engineering, art, and math classrooms/labs; maintain libraries; upgrade technology infrastructure; and construct, acquire, or repair classrooms/facilities.
Most of the targeted upgrades are now complete, with nearly all remaining work slated to take place this summer.
Projects target extensive campus upgrades at Sleepy Hollow Elementary, Wagner Ranch Elementary and Orinda Intermediate School (OIS) and include facility enhancements, infrastructure improvements and safety upgrades. Final additions are planned for the largely completed work at Glorietta.
The Wagner Ranch gym, a popular facility for community sports and other activities, is closed this summer, but Trimble said they’ve been able to help most users find other sites.
The OIS sports field will remain open, with access from the Coral Drive gate.
Questions about use of sports fields for drop-in use should be referred to the City of Orinda’s field scheduler.
School district indoor meeting spaces, which are generally available for community use throughout the year (requiring an application and permit) are available through an online platform called Facilitron, and approvals depend on school schedules and construction timelines.
