TITLE
Recommendation to increase appropriations in the General Fund Group in the Parks, Recreation and Marine Department in the amount of $24,800, offset by the Fifth Council District One-Time District Priority Funds transferred from the Citywide Activities Department to provide funding for enhancements to Somerset Park and Lilly Park; and
Decrease appropriations in the General Fund Group in the Citywide Activities Department by $24,800 to offset a transfer to the Parks, Recreation and Marine Department.
DISCUSSION
Councilwoman Stacy Mungo Flanigan would like to support the following park enhancements:
Somerset Park
As demand for access to pickleball courts grows, Long Beach joins many cities in the region struggling to meet this demand by dual striping local tennis courts to accommodate residents who are interested in what has recently been called ‘America’s faster growing sport.’ While exploring feasibility for dual striping at the Somerset Park tennis courts, it was determined that the court surface was in need of major repair. In order to optimize the use of this space, a court resurfacing is required. The total cost to resurface the tennis courts and subsequently strip the court for tennis/pickleball dual use, as well as purchase a storage container for pickleball equipment, is $19,800. These courts will be open to the public.
Lilly Park
Fifth District staff engaged with the neighbors around Lilly Park for some time prior to redistricting. These conversations initially centered around exploring a park renaming, or amenity naming, in honor of Ada ‘Lou’ Duacsek. During the community discussions and public input process, residents provided feedback about this neighborhood park space, specifically that there was an unusual raised area that they hoped could be reimagined as a park amenity. Those who frequented the park were more interested in how this park could be enhance rather than how it could be renamed. Our office has worked with Parks, Recreation, and Marine staff to determine how the space at this neighborhood park can be better utilized and this $5,000 contribution will assist with the purchase of a small park amenity for this space.
This matter has been reviewed by Budget Analyst Joe R. Guerrero on November 28, 2022.
FISCAL IMPACT
This recommendation requests that Parks, Recreation and Marine resurface and restripe the Somerset Park tennis courts, and work to acquire an amenity for Lilly Park, as written above. The total appropriation increase of $24,800 in the General Fund Group in the Parks, Recreation and Marine Department will be offset by a decrease of appropriation of Fifth Council District One-Time District Priority Funds in the General Fund Group in the Citywide Activities Department. This recommendation is anticipated to require a minimal level of staff hours beyond normal budgeted scope of duties and is expected to have a minimal impact on existing City Council priorities. There is no local job impact associated with this item.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
STACY MUNGO, COUNCILWOMAN
FIFTH DISTRICT