STAFF REPORT
FROM THE TOWN ADMINISTRATOR
TO THE TOWN COUNCIL
CALIFORNIA
April 27, 2026
SUBJECT
NON- ACTION - Public input session (with Town Council taking no action at this meeting), about a possible location for a park to be funded by the California Department of Parks and Recreation Non -Matching Grant in the amount of $485,000
SUMMARY
The Town of Fort Jones in 2020 was awarded a grant in an amount not to exceed $485,000 from the California Department of Parks and Recreation under the 2018 Parks Bond Act for the establishment of a new Central Park.
BACKGROUND
The Town applied for and was awarded funding through the Statewide Park Development and Community Revitalization Grant Program administered by the California Department of Parks and Recreation. The program is funded through the voter-approved California Drought, Water, Parks, Climate, Coastal Protection, and Outdoor Access for All Act of 2018.
A grant contract was executed on July 29, 2022. In 2023 the Council voted to return the funds because of a few concerns. Later, in June of 2025 the Council voted to reinstate the Community Central Park grant.
DISCUSSION
The grant provides funding for eligible park and/or community development improvements. The site where the park was originally planned to be located is not an option because of the Town's inability to acquire the original property, which was located at 11725 Main Street, in Fort Jones.
The public is being invited to provide feedback on other potential sites and then Council will take action at a future City Council meeting and change the grant application to reflect the new site. This will take place after Council receives public input tonight and places this item for Council discussion and decision in a future agenda. The meeting today is a community meeting to elicit public input; no Council decision will be made.
As a way of context, here are the key terms of the grant agreement include:
- Grant Amount: Up to $485,000
- Grant Performance Period: July 1, 2020 through June 30, 2028 - Use of Funds: Capital improvements and development only - Compliance: CEQA, ADA, and all applicable State and local regulations - Reporting: Financial and project reporting required by the State - Property Use: Grant-funded facilities must remain available for public use and cannot be converted or sold without State approval
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no immediate impact to the Town's General Fund. The Town is responsible for any project costs exceeding the grant amount and long-term operation and maintenance of the completed facilities. Failure to comply with the grant agreement may require repayment of funds.
From:
Everett Hulquist, Public Works Department