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CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
City of Anaheim
COMMUNITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT
DATE: FEBRUARY 11, 2025
FROM: COMMUNITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT
SUBJECT: RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE SUBMITTAL OF A GRANT
APPLICATION TO THE STATE COASTAL CONSERVANCY FOR
THE RIVER PARK PROJECT AND APPROVE THE NAMING OF
RIVER PARK
ATTACHMENT (Y/N): YES ITEM # 06
GOVERNMENT CODE § 84308 APPLIES: NO
RECOMMENDATION:
That the City Council:
1. By Resolution, ratify and approve the actions of the Director of Community Services, or designee, in submitting a grant application, in the amount of $2,000,000, to the State Coastal Conservancy for the River Park Project; authorize the Director of Community Services, or designee, to act as the Agent of the City on all matters concerning the grant program; accept such funding on behalf of the City in the amount of $2,000,000; increase the Community Services Department budget accordingly for the fiscal year in which grant funds are awarded; and determine that this action is categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Section 15306 of Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations (Information Collection); and
2. By Motion, approve the naming of vacant land between Angel Stadium and the Santa Ana River Trail, currently proposed for development as a new park site, as River Park.
DISCUSSION:
In 2023, the City acquired approximately three acres of vacant land from the County of Orange located at 2445 E. Orangewood Avenue, directly between Angel Stadium and the Santa Ana River Trail. Community Services staff worked with the community to develop a design and a vision for the site, which will be the City’s 69th park. The community’s vision transforms the vacant parcel into a place with a welcoming gateway, walking paths, footbridges, exercise equipment, shade structures, play area, native landscaping, public art, and other amenities. The design also encompasses elements that pay tribute to the natural ecosystem along the river including local indigenous culture and lifestyle. The estimated construction cost is $4,200,000.
Resolution Authorizing the Submittal of a Grant Application to the State Coastal Conservancy for the River Park Project and Approve the Naming of River Park
February 11, 2025
The City has been actively seeking funding to implement this Project and was awarded a $1,900,000 grant from the Land and Water Conservation Fund. Recently staff identified this project as a competitive candidate for the State Coastal Conservancy (SCC) grant funding. Staff recommends approval of the grant application requesting $2,000,000 for this funding opportunity. Award announcements are expected later in 2025.
Staff is currently working with a consultant to develop construction documents and obtain plan check approval. The last phase of the Project entails bidding and construction with park completion anticipated in 2027.
In addition to the approval of the SCC grant application, approval of the naming of this new park is requested. The park currently does not have an official name, which is required to move forward with design documents and construction of the Project. The Community Services Department’s Park Naming Policy A-033 provides the following criteria for naming parks:
If a park is adjacent to a school site, the park will assume the name of the school.
If the park is not adjacent to a school site, the park will be named for a prominent plant, bush or tree.
The Director, at his/her option, may propose to name the park facility after a prominent form of topography, geographical area, historical precedent or other item applicable to the situation.
Parks will not be named after individuals unless so designated by the City Council.
Further, the policy requires that all park names selected shall be concurred by the Parks and Recreation Commission who will recommend the name to City Council for consideration and approval. This site is not adjacent to a school and there is no prominent plant, bush or tree at the park. The site is, however, adjacent to the Santa Ana River, a prominent geographical feature. Therefore, staff recommends approval of the name ‘River Park’ due to its proximity to the Santa Ana River and the community’s desire to celebrate this significant feature of our landscape. On January 22, 2025, the Parks and Recreation Commission concurred with the name “River Park” for this new facility.
This Project is in line with City’s Strategic Plan Goal A Maintain Financial Responsibility, Strategy 2 - Continue proactive pursuit of state and federal grant funds, and Goal C Invest in Infrastructure and Amenities, Strategy 11 - Review and implement the Parks Master Plan.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW:
The Community Services Department recommends that the City Council determine that this action is categorically exempt from CEQA pursuant to Section 15306 of Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations, which pertains to information gathering purposes leading to an action that a public agency has not yet approved, adopted, or funded.
Resolution Authorizing the Submittal of a Grant Application to the State Coastal Conservancy for the River Park Project and Approve the Naming of River Park
February 11, 2025
IMPACT ON BUDGET:
If awarded, the Community Services Department budget will be increased by the amount of the grant in the fiscal year in which the grant funds are awarded.
Respectfully submitted,
Sjany Larson-Cash
Community Services Director
Attachments:
1. Resolution
2. Location Map
3. Master Plan