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Anaheim, CA 92805
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CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
City of Anaheim
COMMUNITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT
DATE: APRIL 26, 2022
FROM: COMMUNITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT
SUBJECT: APPROVE THE SUBMITTAL OF AN APPLICATION TO THE
CALIFORNIA NATURAL RESOURCES AGENCY FOR THE
URBAN GREENING GRANT PROGRAM FOR THE
DEVELOPMENT OF RIVER PARK
ATTACHMENT (Y/N): YES ITEM # 18
RECOMMENDATION:
That the City Council, by Resolution, approve the submittal of an application for approximately $1,900,000 in grant funds from the California Natural Resources Agency, Urban Greening (UG) Grant Program, for a new park currently known as River Park; authorize the Community Services Director, or their designee, to act as the Agent of the City on all matters concerning this grant program; and if the grant application is successful and funds are approved, amend the Community Services Department budget accordingly for the fiscal year in which grant funds are awarded.
DISCUSSION:
The City will be submitting a grant application to the California Natural Resources Agency through the UG grant program for the development of the new River Park (Project) for approximately $1,900,000 of grant funds. The purpose of this grant is to acquire, create, enhance, or expand community parks and green spaces.
The proposed park will be located on a vacant lot approximately three acres in size. The lot is bordered to the west by a parking lot serving Angel Stadium and to the east by the Santa Ana River Trail (Attachment 2). The City is currently in negotiations for the purchase of this property from the County of Orange and the finalization of this transaction should occur by the end of summer.
In fall 2020, Community Services staff reached out to area residents to inquire about potential improvements at the site. Due to COVID-19 restrictions prohibiting in-person meetings, staff conducted five virtual community meetings, gathered community feedback from online surveys, posted information online, and sent direct mailers to the local community as well as special interest groups. Additional virtual meetings were held with the OC Bicycle Coalition, Santa Ana River Conservancy, Tribal Council, and elementary school children from the Anaheim community through the YMCA. Staff also created a web page with project information, visuals, and an interactive survey for the project:
Anaheim.net/PlanningForParks. Utilizing the valuable feedback received from these endeavors, staff developed a Master Plan (Attachment 3) which includes a play area, Approve the Submittal of an Application to the California Natural Resources Agency for the Urban Greening Grant Program for the Development of River Park
April 26, 2022
exercise equipment, a walking path, landscaping, picnic/game tables, small amphitheater, security lighting, and public art.
The estimated total project budget is $3,800,000. Community Services staff has identified this project as a competitive candidate for the UG grant program. Staff recommends approval to submit a grant application requesting approximately $1,900,000 for this funding opportunity. The balance of the project cost will be paid by Park Development Fees.
The Natural Resources Agency expects to announce the UG grant program award recipients in late summer 2022. Following the grant award, staff will hire a design consultant to develop construction documents and obtain plan check approval, which is estimated to take 18 months. The last phases of the project entail bidding and construction with an anticipated park completion in fall 2025.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW:
It was previously determined by Council that the Project is categorically exempt (CE) from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Section 15304 of Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations. The CE has been filed with the County of Orange and the State of California.
IMPACT ON BUDGET:
If the grant application is successful, the Community Services Department Platinum Triangle Area Fees fund budget will be amended in the year in which the grant is awarded.
Respectfully submitted,
Sjany Larson-Cash
Community Services Director
Attachments:
1. Resolution
2. Location Map
3. Master Plan