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Anaheim, CA 92805
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CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
City of Anaheim
COMMUNITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT
DATE: JULY 15, 2025
FROM: COMMUNITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT
SUBJECT: RESOLUTION TO APPROVE THE SUBMITTAL OF A GRANT
APPLICATION TO THE CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF
PARKS AND RECREATION FOR THE LAND AND WATER
CONSERVATION FUND GRANT PROGRAM FOR BOYSEN
PARK
ATTACHMENT (Y/N): YES ITEM # 13
GOVERNMENT CODE § 84308 APPLIES: NO
RECOMMENDATION:
That the City Council, by Resolution, approve the submittal of an application for up to $6,000,000 in grant funds to the California Department of Parks and Recreation, a federal Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) Grant program, for the renovation of Boysen Park; authorize the Director of Community Services, or their designee, to act as the Agent of the City on all matters concerning the 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; and determine these actions are exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Section 15306 of Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations.
DISCUSSION:
Boysen Park (park), also known as “Airplane Park,” is an approximately 24-acre park located in District 4. The park has not seen significant improvements for over 30 years.
Due to its age and high popularity, the park is now in need of major renovation.
Upon receiving a $15,000,000 State earmark in late 2022, championed by former Assemblymember Tom Daly and Senator Tom Umberg, Community Services staff worked with the community to develop a Master Plan for the park renovation. Through several workshops which engaged nearby residents, students and staff from the adjacent Theodore Roosevelt Elementary School, and local youth sports leagues that regularly use the park’s fields, the community created a vision that transforms the site. This vision includes sports field upgrades, a soccer field, new restrooms, a skate park, a dog park, additional parking, lighting, covered picnic areas, walking paths, basketball courts, fitness equipment, a butterfly garden, and more. These improvements are anticipated to provide physical, mental, and social benefits for residents within the surrounding community and the City overall. The estimated cost to construct the full Master Plan is approximately $30,000,000.
Resolution to Approve the Submittal of a Grant Application to the California Department of Parks and Recreation for the Land and Water Conservation Fund Grant Program for Boysen Park
July 15, 2025
During the input process, the community requested that the park improvements be implemented in stages, allowing portions of the park to remain open to the public during construction. In response, Community Services staff is realizing the project in phases while actively seeking funding opportunities to construct the remainder of the renovations.
The first phase, now fully funded, includes the development of a new skate park, which is currently in the design stage. Upon permit approval, the project will progress into bidding and construction, with anticipated skate park completion in late 2026.
Recently, staff identified this project as a competitive candidate for the Land and Water Conservation Fund grant program. The LWCF grant would fund construction of the second phase park elements located at the north end of the park, including a play area, butterfly garden, basketball courts, additional parking, lighting, walking paths, covered picnic area, new restroom, and more. Other park elements would be implemented in future phases as funding becomes available. Staff is requesting approval to apply for the LWCF grant and to request up to $6,000,000 for this funding opportunity. Applications are due in August 2025, and award announcements are expected in early 2026.
This project is in line with the City’s Strategic Plan Goal A - Maintain Financial Responsibility, Strategy 2 – Continue proactive pursuit of state and federal grant funds, Goal C - Invest in Infrastructure and Amenities, Strategy 2 - Continue proactive pursuit of state and federal grant funds, and 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.
IMPACT ON BUDGET:
If the grant is awarded, the Community Services Department’s budget will be increased by the grant amount in the fiscal year in which the grant funds are awarded.
Respectfully submitted,
Sjany Larson-Cash
Director of Community Services
Attachments:
1. Resolution
2. Master Plan