REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: AARON A. AGUIRRE, Director
Parks, After School, Recreation and Community Services Department
BY: SHELBY MACNAB, MPA, Assistant Director
Parks, After School, Recreation and Community Services Department
ELIZABETH FRAIRE, Business Manager
Parks, After School, Recreation and Community Services Department
SUBJECT
Title
Actions Pertaining to a Grant Agreement with Storyland and Playland, Inc. for the Fresno Storyland Improvements Project (District 3):
1. Adopt a finding of Categorical Exemption pursuant to Section 15301/Class 1 of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines.
2. Approve a two-year Grant Agreement for $1,000,000 to Storyland and Playland, Inc. for improvements.
Body
RECOMMENDATION
Staff is requesting the City Council adopt the Categorical Exemption and approve the Grant Agreement to award $1,000,000 in Measure P Funds to Storyland and Playland, Inc. for a two-year term.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
On June 17, 2025, the City Council adopted the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 budget which included Motion #4, introduced by District 4, for an amount of up to $1 million dollars for Storyland improvements. Staff have prepared a grant agreement and the required environmental documentation for Council’s adoption/approval.
BACKGROUND
The City of Fresno owns Roeding Park, a 157-acre park located at 890 W. Belmont Avenue. Roeding Park is home to several special use facilities including Storyland, a storybook land which has brought fairytales to life since 1962. On March 18, 2021 the City of Fresno amended a lease with Storyland and Playland, Inc. extending the term for 31 years. On June 17, 2025, the City Council adopted the FY2026 budget which included Motion #4, introduced by District 4, for up to $1 million dollars for Storyland improvements.
Staff have worked with representatives from Storyland to define the scope of the projects to be completed and prepared the required environmental documents. The term of the grant Agreement is two years, and funding comes from Measure P. Up to 25% of the grant award, or $250,000, will be dispersed up-front. The remaining grant award balance will be disbursed throughout the two-year grant term.
The scope of the project is outlined below. A site map is attached to this item which identifies the locations of the improvements.
|
Task Number |
Estimate for Improvements: |
Quantity |
Cost |
|
Task #1 |
ADA bathroom upgrades |
1 |
$375,000 |
|
Task #2 |
Perimeter fencing |
550’LF |
$119,000 |
|
Task #3 |
Path of travel for climbing structure |
1 |
$175,000 |
|
Task #4 |
Tables and umbrella addition |
7 |
$6,000 |
|
Task #5 |
Updating landscaping |
1 |
$240,000 |
|
|
Architectural fees and permits |
1 |
$50,000 |
|
|
Project management/oversight |
1 |
$35,000 |
|
|
Total |
|
$1,000,000 |
This item has been reviewed and approved by Risk and the City Attorney’s Office.
ENVIRONMENTAL FINDINGS
The project pertains to repair and maintenance of an existing facility. Staff have performed a preliminary environmental assessment and have determined that the project falls within the Categorical Exemption set forth in CEQA Guidelines Section 15301/Class 1 (Existing Facilities), which exempts the repair, maintenance, or minor alteration of existing structures or facilities, with no further expansion of existing use.
None of the exceptions to Categorical Exemptions outlined in the CEQA Guidelines, Section 15300.2 apply to the project. Furthermore, the proposed project is not expected to have a significant effect on the environment. A categorical exemption, as noted above, has been prepared for the project and the area is not environmentally sensitive.
LOCAL PREFERENCE
Local preference is not applicable since this item will not include a bid or award of a construction or services contract.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no impact on the general fund. All funding associated with this item is from Measure P and was included in the adopted FY2026 PARCS budget as part of budget motion #4.
Attachments:
Categorical Exemption
Grant Agreement
Site Map