TITLE
Recommendation to adopt resolution authorizing City Manager, or designee, to execute any necessary documents including subsequent amendments, to accept grant funds from the California Department of Parks and Recreation (California State Parks) in an amount not to exceed $12,050,000, for capital improvements at Bixby, El Dorado, MacArthur, and Ramona Parks. (Districts 2,5,6,9)
DISCUSSION
The Fiscal Year 2022 State of California budget included a surplus projected at $75.7 billion. Due to the State Appropriations Limit, certain revenues must be returned to taxpayers through direct payments and education spending. As a result, Senator Lena Gonzalez, Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon, and Assemblymember Patrick O’Donnell requested and secured $12,050,000 in allocations for park capital improvements. Park capital improvements are proposed for Bixby, El Dorado, MacArthur, and Ramona Parks.
Various improvements are proposed at the four park sites receiving allocations. Bixby Park will receive $850,000 for improvements to be determined through a prioritization process. Preliminary recommendations include a splash pad, hydration stations, a basketball court, and a technology center/computer lab within the community recreation center. El Dorado Park will receive $1.2 million for improvements to the youth softball and baseball fields and surrounding area. MacArthur Park will receive $8.5 million to implement the MacArthur Park Vision Plan, which was received and filed by the City Council on July 16, 2019. Lastly, $1.5 million will fund a signature playground to replace the existing playground at Ramona Park.
The California State Parks Office of Grants and Local Services will administer the state allocations as grants. Adopting a Resolution is the first step required to receive the funds. It is anticipated that the state contracts will be issued after January 1, 2022 and the grants will expire on June 30, 2024.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Ani...
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