TITLE
Recommendation to adopt resolution authorizing City Manager, or designee, to submit a grant application to the California Department of Parks and Recreation for funding under the Statewide Park Development and Community Revitalization Program, for the first phases of the Drake Chavez Vision Plan Implementation Project and MacArthur Park Vision Plan Implementation Project (Projects); and, if awarded, execute all documents necessary to accept the funds in an amount up to $8,500,000 for each Project, for a total grant funding amount of up to $17,000,000 for the Projects. (Districts 1,6)
DISCUSSION
On June 5, 2018, voters passed the Parks, Environment, and Water Bond (Proposition 68). Proposition 68 authorized $4 billion in general obligation bonds for state and local parks. The measure required that between 15 and 20 percent of the bond funds, depending on the type of project, be dedicated to projects in communities with median household incomes less than 60 percent of the statewide average; that 60 percent threshold amounted to about $39,980 in 2016. The largest amount of bond revenue, $725 million, was earmarked for neighborhood parks in park-poor neighborhoods in accordance with the Statewide Park Development and Community Revitalization Act of 2008's competitive grant program. The California Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) has notified applicants that $395,300,000 will be distributed in this final round. Grant applications are due March 12, 2021 and grant awards are anticipated to be announced in September 2021.
The Parks, Recreation and Marine Department (PRM) is requesting approval to submit grant applications for two park projects that were submitted for the same grant in a previous round, but were unfunded: (1) Drake Chavez Vision Plan Implementation Project; and, (2) MacArthur Park Vision Plan Implementation Project.
Drake Chavez Vision Plan Implementation Project
In 2010, the Drake Chavez Greenbelt Master Plan was completed, following a series of stakeholder discussions and community meetings. This community engagement effort, and ultimately the Master Plan, focused on amassing properties for park purposes that would connect Cesar Chavez Park to Drake Park, through the development of wetlands and passive and active open space (Attachment A). The City had received a series of grants from the Safe Neighborhood Parks, Clean Water, Clean Air and Coastal Protection Bond Act of 2000 (Proposition 12), the Safe Drinking Water, Clean Water, Watershed Protection and Flood Protection Act (Proposition 13), the California Clean Water, Clean Air, Safe Neighborhood Parks, and Coastal Protection Act of 2002 (Proposition 40), and the Redevelopment Agency Central Project Area Revenue Bond proceeds to purchase 1.20-acre property at 903 Fairbanks Avenue, the 5.05-acre Los Angeles Metropolitan Transportation Authority Bus Lot, and 8.9 acres previously owned by the Union Pacific Railroad Company (UPRR).
Since the completion of the Drake Chavez Master Plan in 2010, many new projects have begun to impact these future park parcels, including Long Beach Municipal Urban Stormwater Treatment Facility (LB MUST), the I710 Realignment Project proposed by California Department of Transportation, and the Shoemaker Bridge Replacement Project. The update to the Drake Chavez Vision Plan, approved by the City Council in July 2019, incorporates these new projects and new feedback from the community. The Drake Chavez Vision Plan serves as a visionary document to guide future improvements at the acquired, undeveloped park parcels as well as future improvements to Drake and Chavez Parks to address the needs of the community (Attachment B).
In 2016, the Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation completed a Needs Assessment for parks throughout the region, including Long Beach, using indicators such as socioeconomics, public health, and land use. The Needs Assessment results showed that there are 1.65 park acres per 1,000 residents at Chavez Park, 1.98 park acres per 1,000 residents at Drake Park, and 22 percent of the population surrounding these parks need park space and are categorized as a critically underserved area. This competitive grant will provide an opportunity to develop an undeveloped park parcel into a multi-benefit project with new and renovated recreation features, and integration of environmental design features that would promote water conservation, reduce energy consumption, improve air quality, improve human health, and increase outdoor recreation opportunities. Funds awarded through Proposition 68 would fund projects designed to contribute to the success of the City's efforts to provide healthy and safe park spaces within underserved areas.
PRM partnered with the First Council District, Willmore Heritage Neighborhood Association, Communities with Power to Change, the nonprofit Kounkuey Design Initiative, and Public Health Advocates to conduct community engagement for the Drake Chavez Vision Plan. So far, these groups have conducted nine public workshops, and developed three community-sourced vision concepts for the park. The public workshops examined desired amenities, prioritized community feedback, and voted on top park improvement ideas. The Drake Chavez Vision Plan is a plan for future park investment, anticipated over a long-term horizon, which will be implemented incrementally over time as capital, maintenance, and operating resources allow.
PRM is requesting authorization to submit a grant application for the Drake Chavez Vision Plan Implementation Project to request $8,500,000 in grant funds from the DPR for a variety of family oriented amenities, from passive to active, that promote physical health and well-being for all ages, including a perimeter running trail with mile markers; centralized active area with sport courts and outdoor fitness equipment; landscaped buffers, bioswales, and a community garden to mitigate noise for neighbors; outdoor performance and picnic area; and, a new accessible playground for ages 2 to 12, skate park, dog park, restrooms, site furnishings, and parking.
MacArthur Park Vision Plan Implementation Project
MacArthur Park is located at 1321 East Anaheim Street in the City’s Sixth Council District and has never had a Master Plan for its development. To be eligible for Proposition 68 funding, the park needed to demonstrate considerable engagement around a community-sourced vision. The MacArthur Park Vision Plan serves as a visionary document to guide future improvements to address the needs of the community (Attachment C). The community within a one-mile radius of MacArthur Park makes up about 17 percent of Long Beach’s population, making it one of the most densely populated areas in the city. In this community, 69.6 percent of residents have limited language proficiency, compared to just 19.7 percent for Long Beach and 26.2 percent in Los Angeles County. In 2016, the Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation completed a Needs Assessment for parks throughout the region, including Long Beach, using indicators such as socioeconomics, public health, and land use. The Needs Assessment results showed that 73 percent of the MacArthur Park community had a very high or high need for park space.
In 2019, PRM partnered with the Sixth Council District, neighborhood group AOC7, Friends of MacArthur Park, LANLT, and local nonprofit City Fabrick to conduct community engagement for a Vision Plan. So far, these groups have conducted 15 public workshops and stakeholder meetings, collected 205 park audits and community surveys, and gathered 17 community-sourced plans for the park. The public workshops examined desired amenities, prioritized community feedback and voted on top park improvement ideas. The MacArthur Park Vision Plan is a plan for future park investment, anticipated over a long-term horizon, which will be implemented incrementally over time as capital, maintenance, and operating resources allow.
PRM is requesting authorization to submit a grant application for the MacArthur Park Vision Plan Implementation Project to request $8,500,000 in grant funds from the DPR to renovate the playground area and open grass area for a neighborhood sports field; add a perimeter walking/ jogging trail, picnic area, shade structure, outdoor fitness equipment, outdoor seating; and add a community center addition for a lobby.
These two projects were determined to best fit Proposition 68 requirements and maximize competitiveness because they: (1) are located in a park-deficient area and serve identified populations needing access to open space; (2) are in an area with significant poverty; (3) have been developed from significant community engagement and community-based planning processes; and, (4) leverage partnerships with several local community or neighborhood-based associations. The two projects are also consistent with: (1) the City’s 2003 Open Space and Recreation Element that adopted a citywide goal of 8 acres of parkland per 1,000 residents; (2) the County of Los Angeles’ 2016 Countywide Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Needs Assessment; (3) the City’s Economic Blueprint that identifies Quality of Life as a focus area with an objective to increase public parkland per 1,000 people with an emphasis on “park poor” areas; (4) Los Angeles River Master Plan; (5) the Long Beach RiverLink Plan developed by the City in 2003-2007; and, (6) the 2020 Long Beach Racial Equity and Reconciliation Initiative and Report.
These competitive grants will provide opportunities to: (1) expand a new park acreage as a part of the Drake Chavez Vision Plan; and, (2) renovate MacArthur Park into a multi-benefit project with new and renovated recreation features, and the integration of environmental design features that would promote water conservation, reduce energy consumption, improve air quality, improve health, and increase outdoor recreation opportunities. Funds awarded through Proposition 68 would fund projects designed to contribute to the success of the City's efforts to provide healthy and safe park spaces within underserved areas.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Arturo D. Sanchez and by Revenue Management Officer Geraldine Alejo on February 9, 2021.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action is requested on March 2, 2021, to apply for the grant by the March 12, 2021 deadline.
FISCAL IMPACT
If awarded, the City will receive reimbursement grant funding up to $8,500,000 for the Drake Chavez Vision Plan Implementation Project and up to $8,500,000 for the MacArthur Park Vision Plan Implementation Project. Grant funding will be used to support various park improvements as part of the first phase to implementing the Drake Chavez and MacArthur Park vision plans. The total project cost associated with the first phase of vision plan implementation is estimated at $8,500,000 per project, which includes construction contingency, design, construction support, labor compliance, and related project oversight. The grants do not require matching funds or in-kind services. Upon grant award and prior to project initiation, the Parks, Recreation and Marine Department will return with a request for appropriation, offset by grant revenue.
Following project completion, the Parks, Recreation and Marine Department will be responsible for ongoing operating and maintenance costs for both parks. The total estimated cost is unknown at this time and will be estimated based on the project scope. Funding for ongoing costs have not yet been identified and are currently unbudgeted. The department will return with a request for appropriation as part of the budget process. This recommendation has no staffing impact beyond the normal budgeted scope of duties and is consistent with existing City Council priorities. This recommendation will result in a positive impact on jobs, although the exact number is unknown at this time.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
BODY
[Enter Body Here]
Respectfully Submitted,
BRENT DENNIS
DIRECTOR OF PARKS, RECREATION AND MARINE
APPROVED:
THOMAS B. MODICA
CITY MANAGER