TITLE
Recommendation to adopt resolution authorizing City Manager to submit a grant application to California State Parks through the Nature Education Facilities Program for the development and construction of a new environmental center at the El Dorado Nature Center, at a total estimated development cost of $7 million. (District 4)
DISCUSSION
On November 7, 2006, California voters passed Proposition 84, the $54 billion Safe Drinking Water, Water Quality and Supply, Flood Control, River and Coastal Protection Bond Act of 2006, to provide capital funding for water quality and park programs. Funding in the amount of $93 million was made available for the Nature Education Facilities Program (Program) through the Parks and Nature Education Facilities chapter of Proposition 84.
The Department of Parks, Recreation and Marine (PRM) proposes to apply for $7 million in grant funding through the Program for the design and construction of a new environmental center building (building) at the El Dorado Nature Center (Nature Center). The existing building, which was constructed in 1969, and located on an island in the north lake, has provided environmental education to hundreds of thousands of Southland residents, both young and old. Over the years, the building has deteriorated, the interior educational exhibits have become outdated, and the current size of the building is too small to accommodate increased visitor usage. In addition, due to an increased emphasis on environmental education for school children and the general population, the existing building is too small to accommodate all of the staff that currently plan, develop, and run programs at the Nature Center and at other environmentally sensitive areas of Long Beach.
A preliminary concept plan has been developed for a new building that utilizes the existing structure, but expands the building’s footprint to the north, south, and east within the limits of the island (attachment). A second story additi...
Click here for full text