TITLE
Recommendation to adopt resolution authorizing City Manager, or designee, to submit a grant application to the California Department of Parks and Recreation, Land and Water Conservation Fund Program, for the Davenport Park Sports Field and Recreation Phase II project; accept said grant, if awarded, in an amount up to $3,000,000 for completion of the project; and, execute all documents necessary to accept the funds and implement the project. (District 8)
DISCUSSION
In October 2017, the California Department of Parks and Recreation (State Parks), Land and Water Conservation Fund Program, began soliciting applications for the Land and Water Conservation Fund Grant (Grant). This competitive Grant provides assistance to local agencies and community-based organizations for the acquisition or development of outdoor recreation features that increase opportunities for the health and wellness of Californians. The Land and Water Conservation Fund was signed into law in September 1964, and is overseen at the federal level by the National Parks Service with funds allocated to the State of California and administered by State Parks.
The Department of Parks, Recreation and Marine is requesting authorization to submit a grant application, in an amount up to $3,000,000, for the Davenport Park Sports Field and Recreation Phase II project (Project). Funds awarded through the Grant would contribute to the success of the City of Long Beach (City) in its efforts to provide healthy and safe park spaces within underserved areas. The Grant funds would be utilized to complete Phase II of the expansion of Davenport Park, consistent with the park's conceptual plan.
The Project is planned for the western 5.6 acres of Davenport Park, located at 2910 East 55th Way, on the east side of Paramount Boulevard, between Candlewood Street and South Street. The Project includes a multi-use sports field, exercise equipment along the existing decomposed granite walking path, and a shaded outdoor seating and activity area.
If awarded, upon completion of the Project, the land within the Project site will be placed under permanent federal protection to preserve the public's outdoor recreational use of the site in perpetuity.
The Project was identified as being the most competitive relative to the Grant criteria for the following reasons:
• Shovel-ready;
• Creates outdoor recreational opportunities;
• Increases park acreage in an underserved area; and,
• Funds are available to meet the 1: 1 match requirement.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Linda T. Vu on February 27, 2018 and by Budget Management Officer Rhutu Arnin Gharib on March 5, 2018.
SUSTAINABILITY
The Project proposes a water catchment and reuse system where any water from the field area, either from irrigation or from storm runoff, will be collected via the drainage system and reused on site. The Project will also use and feature sustainable materials, such as native drought tolerant plants, recycled rubber safety surfacing, and a water-efficient irrigation system.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action is requested on March 20, 2018, to submit the Resolution to State Parks within 60 days of the Grant deadline, which is April 6, 2018.
FISCAL IMPACT
If the Grant application is successful, Grant funds of up to $3,000,000 will be received for the Project. An appropriation increase will be requested for the Grant funds prior to Project initiation. The Grant requires a 1:1 match and will be provided by leveraging City funding and other secured grant funds, including:
• $1,000,000 from FY 14 CIP funds;
• $500,000 from FY 16 CIP funds;
• $200,000 from FY 17 CIP funds;
• $500,000 from FY 18 CIP funds; and,
• $500,000 from an FY 16 CalRecycle grant for the 55th Way Landfill Cover Improvements Project.
In addition, $1,000,000 collected from Park Impact Fees will be requested through the FY 19 Budget process, and is consistent with the Long Beach Parks and Recreation Facilities Impact Fee Ordinance and Annual Impact Fee Report. A total match requirement of $3,700,000 will be contributed toward the maximum Grant request of $3,000,000. The recommended action will result in a positive impact on jobs, although the exact number is unknown at this time.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
BODY
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LONG BEACH APPROVING THE APPLICATION FOR LAND AND WATER CONSERVATION GRANT FUNDS FOR THE DAVENPORT PARK SPORTS FIELD AND RECREATION PROJECT
Respectfully Submitted,
STEPHEN P. SCOTT
INTERIM DIRECTOR OF PARKS, RECREATION AND MARINE
APPROVED:
PATRICK H. WEST
CITY MANAGER