ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT
MEETING DATE: July 15, 2026 AGENDA CATEGORY: Consent - Resolutions TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council
FROM: Darin Budak, Recreation and Parks Director
DATE: June 23, 2026
SUBJECT: California Department of Parks and Recreation Land and Water Conservation Fund Grant
1. Adopt resolution authorizing entering into an agreement with the California Department of Parks and Recreation, as the Administrator, for the Land and Water Conservation Fund Grant for the MLK Jr. Park Re-Imagining and Revitalization Project
2. Approve contract with the California Department of Parks
3. Appropriate $11,909,000.00 of Land and Water Conservation Fund grant to the Recreation and Parks Capital Improvement Program.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommend approval of the resolution, contract, and appropriations.
BACKGROUND:
On November 3, 2021, Council adopted Resolution No. 205 -2021 authorizing Recreation and Parks Department to proceed with a master plan update. Early in the process for the Recreation and Parks Master Plan (RPMP) update, the consultant determined the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center and Park (Park) is outdated and obsolete based on current safety and efficiency standards.
In January of 2022, the City initiated the process to re -imagine Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center and Park Revital ization project (Project). The existing Park is located at the southwest corner of South Owens Street and East California Avenue and is approximately 16 acres. The project is currently in design phase and the construction documents for the initial phase will be completed by Fall of 2026.Staff sought various funding sources and grants to help facilitate the completion of the Project.
Staff researched and applied for the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) grant for the Project. On September 25, 2024, t he National Park Service (NPS) through the LWCF announced that the City was approved for a $11,909,000.00 grant for the Project. The California Department of Parks and Recreation (State) is the administrator for the LWCF grant. The LWCF grant will fund the western portion of the Park which includes restroom building, entry plaza, individual picnic areas with shade shelters, play areas, water splash pad, outdoor amphitheater, events plaza, outdoor fitness area, community garden, multi - use sports fields, parking lots, walking paths, landscaping, fencing and lighting. The LWCF grant requires the indemnification of the State, their officers, agents, and employees from liability arising from the Project.
The LWCF grant will provide $11,909,000.00. The LWCF grant has a 50% matching requirement, the City’s portion is $11,909,000.00.
Approval of the resolution is needed to complete the grant application process and contract. Staff is recommending Council approve the resolution to authorize and complete the necessary application documents and approval of the grant contract. The LWCF grant has a performance period from August 06, 2025 through August 05, 2030. The project is tentatively scheduled to break ground in Spring of 2027.
Staff is requesting the approval of $11,909,000.00 in LWCF grant funds to be appropriated to the Recreation and Parks Department Capital Improvement Program.
FISCAL IMPACT: The funding source for the match component is a combination of Public Safety and Vital Services (PSVS) funds, State of California Grant funds, and Park Improvement and Development funds.
COUNCIL GOAL:
Community Character & Quality of Life
Innovative and Efficient City Government
Reliable Infrastructure
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Resolution
2. Grant Contract