REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: AARON A. AGUIRRE, Director
Parks, After School, Recreation and Community Services Department
SHELBY MACNAB, MPA, Assistant Director
Parks, After School, Recreation and Community Services Department
BY: CHANELL WEST, MPA, Senior Management Analyst
Parks, After School, Recreation and Community Services Department
SUBJECT
Title
RESOLUTION - Approving the application to the Land and Water Conservation Fund grant program for Phase II Development of South Peach Avenue Park project located at 2155 South Peach Avenue in an amount not to exceed $6 million and authorizing the City Manager or designee to sign all related documents on behalf of the City (District 5)
Body
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommend that the City Council approve the resolution to apply for a grant of up to $6 million from the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) grant program to fund Phase II Development of South Peach Avenue Park located at 2155 South Peach Avenue and authorize the City Manager or designee to sign all related documents on behalf of the City.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Staff are requesting authority to submit a grant application of up to $6 million to the LWCF grant program. The grant application is due on August 5, 2025.
BACKGROUND
The LWCF Program is a federally-funded grant program administered by California State Parks’ Office of Grants and Local Services (OGALS). Grant projects are approved by the National Park Service (NPS) and grant contracts are executed by California State Parks. LWCF funds the acquisition or development of land to create new outdoor recreation opportunities. Approximately $35 million is available for the 2025 statewide competition. The maximum grant amount is $6 million, and a 100% match is required.
The Parks, After School, Recreation, and Community Services (PARCS) Department has reviewed the scoring criteria for the grant program alongside planned capital projects. Based on this review, it was determined that Phase II of the South Peach Avenue park located at 2155 South Peach Avenue would be the most competitive project. The scope of work for Phase II includes sports fields and other amenities. The attached “Exhibit A-Site Plan” shows the planned Phase II developments that would be partly funded by the LWCF grant.
The LWCF grant program requires that any park space acquired or developed using LWCF grant funds must be “placed under federal protection, preserving the public’s outdoor recreational use of the site in perpetuity.” If the City’s grant proposal is awarded, staff will seek Council approval in a separate Council item to place the land developed by grant funding under federal protection.
The grant application is due on August 5, 2025. Awarded applications are expected to be announced in Spring 2026 with contracts to follow thereafter. Grant funded projects must be completed within 5 years of the grant term start date.
ENVIRONMENTAL FINDINGS
This action applying for a grant application is not subject to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
LOCAL PREFERENCE
Local preference is not included because this resolution does not include a bid or award of a construction or services contract.
FISCAL IMPACT
This resolution will have no immediate impact on the General Fund. The LWCF grant requires a 100% match. If awarded, Measure P Expenditure Category 2 would be an eligible source of match that would be reflected in future year budget appropriations.
Attachments:
Resolution
Exhibit A - Site Plan