REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL
October 13, 2016
FROM: MANUEL A MOLLINEDO, Director
Parks, After School, Recreation and Community Services Department
BY: IRMA YEPEZ-PEREZ, Senior Management Analyst
KAREN M. NORRIS, Administrative Manager
Parks, After School, Recreation and Community Services Department
SUBJECT
Title
RESOLUTION - Authorizing the submittal of grant applications to the Department of Parks and Recreation and acceptance of Youth Soccer and Recreation Development Program grant funds in the amount of $1,050,000, and authorizing execution of documents by the Parks, After School, Recreation and Community Services (PARCS) Director, or designee (Districts 3 and 7).
Body
RECOMMENDATIONS
Staff recommends the City Council adopt the attached resolution authorizing the submittal of applications to the California Department of Parks and Recreation for youth soccer recreation improvements at the following sites: Romain Playground Park, Hinton Park, and Basin XX, and authorize the Parks, After School, Recreation and Community Services (PARCS) Director, or designee to sign all necessary documents to implement the grant, subject to prior approval as to form by the City Attorney’s Office.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Parks, After School, Recreation and Community Services (PARCS) Department is proposing to submit three proposals in response to a call for applications from the State of California Department of Parks and Recreation. Upon adoption of the attached resolution, staff will submit the applications requesting $1,050,000 in Youth Soccer and Recreation Development Program funds.
The proposed projects will increase recreational opportunities by installing new field lighting at Hinton and Basin XX park sites, as well as constructing a new futsal soccer court at Romain Playground Park.
BACKGROUND
The State’s Youth Soccer Competitive Program is designed to foster “the development of new youth soccer, baseball, softball and basketball recreation opportunities…[in] heavily populated, low-income urban areas with a high youth crime and unemployment rate” in accordance with Public Resource Code section §5004.5.
On March 1, 2016, the California Department of Parks and Recreation issued a Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) for a one-cycle competitive grant program. Adoption of the attached resolution is required for all application submittals and subsequent participation in the program. Upon adoption of the resolution, staff will submit three applications requesting $1,050,000 in program funds. The final application filing date is November 1, 2016.
The Youth Soccer Program will help increase recreational opportunities at the following park sites and will include energy efficient lighting and water conservation efforts as listed below:
• Romain Playground Park (745 N. First Avenue) - Resurface underused basketball court and convert to a futsal soccer court, lighting, and water conservation improvements.
• Hinton Park (2385 S. Fairview) - Field lighting, smart irrigation, and water-wise landscaping improvements.
• Basin XX (1451 N. Hughes) - Field lighting, and park furnishings.
All of the park sites are located in underserved community areas with Median Household Incomes (MHI) of less than $25,500 and as high as 20% unemployment. This is compared to the State MHI of $61,933 in 2014 and current unemployment rate of only 6.3%.
Basin XX belongs to the Fresno Flood Control District (District). In 20087, the City entered into an agreement with the District to open the upper basin as a park. The District reviewed and unanimously approved the proposal for Basin XX on September 14, 2016.
The lighting improvements will increase evening use of the parks, especially during the summer. Parks and open space for recreation are a priority of the City’s General Plan. Additionally, the Parks Master Plan Update will “reimagine our parks” and affirm Fresno’s commitment to creating and maintaining a park system that will continue to enhance the quality of life in Fresno.
ENVIRONMENTAL FINDING
The application does not constitute a project for purposes of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section §15378. Upon approval of the grant funds, staff will return to Council with the CEQA determination if contracts are awarded.
LOCAL PREFERENCE
Local preference was not implemented because this item does not include an award of a construction or consultant contract.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no match requirement for this grant. There is some impact to the City’s General Fund due to increased utility and upkeep costs. The proposed park sites are currently maintained by PARCS and Public Works Departments. The field lighting improvements will increase evening usage, and thus increase utility and maintenance costs.
Attachment: Resolution