5d
26-90394
CITY OF GLENDALE, CALIFORNIA
REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL
AGENDA ITEM
Report: Approval to submit Climate Bond Grant Funds Application Under the Urban Greening Grant Program for Cerritos Park Renovation Project
1. Resolution approving the submission of a grant application to the California Natural Resources Agency for Climate Bond Grant Funds under the Urban Greening Grant Program, in the amount of $2.2 million, for the Cerritos Park Renovation Project (“Project”); and authorizing the City Manager, or a designee, to conduct all negotiations, sign and submit all documents, including, but not limited to, applications, agreements, amendments, and payment requests, which may be necessary to complete of the Project.
COUNCIL ACTION
Item Type: Consent Calendar
Approved for July 14, 2026 calendar
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Urban Greening Grant Program, funded by Proposition 4 and administered through California Natural Resources Agency, provides grant funding for projects that address climate change impacts and improve community resiliency. The Urban Greening Grant Program currently has roughly $46 million in available funds, with a maximum grant request of $5 million per local agency. While this grant does not require matching funds, the City has identified $300,000 in Measure A funds for the Project, bringing the total project cost to $2.5 million.
The proposed Project will transform the existing park into a multi-benefit park with upgraded amenities that will provide both passive and active recreational opportunities for people of all ages and abilities. The grant application will focus on climate resilient park improvements including: new, water-efficient splash pad with updated recirculating water system; new age 2–5 and 5–12 nature-based playground structures with integrated shade cover; cooler, ADA-compliant PIP surfacing for the playground; ADA-compliant restroom renovations and an added outdoor shower (per public health requirements for splash pads); native and drought-tolerant landscaping (including pollinator garden) and trees; enhanced seating; upgraded lighting and improved stormwater capture using nature based solutions (e.g., rain gardens and/or bioswales). 5d2
26-90394
6 9
6 0
RECOMMENDATION
That the City Council adopt a resolution authorizing staff to submit a grant application through California Natural Resources Agency for Climate Bond Grant Funds under the Urban Greening Program, in the amount of $2.2 million for the Project; and authorizing the City Manager to conduct all negotiations, sign and submit all documents, including, but not limited to, applications, agreements, amendments, and payment requests, which may be necessary for the completion of the Project.
ANALYSIS
The Urban Greening Grant Program, funded by Proposition 4 (the 2024 Climate Bond) and administered through California Natural Resources Agency (“CNRA”), provides grant funding for projects that address climate change impacts and improve community resiliency. The Urban Greening Grant Program currently has roughly $46 million in available funds, with a maximum grant request of $5 million per local agency.
Eligible Urban Greening Project Features include:
Creation or expansion of green parks, particularly in park-poor communities Urban tree canopy expansion to provide strategic shade and reduce the urban heat island effect
Nature-based cooling elements such as shade trees, climate-ready vegetation, and expanded green spaces
Green stormwater infrastructure including rain gardens, bioswales, and permeable surfaces
Community gardens that offer shade, water access, and local habitat benefits Green streets and alleyways that use vegetation and permeable materials to manage heat and stormwater
Habitat restoration using native and climate-resilient plant species Schoolyard greening projects that increase shade and outdoor cooling opportunities
Eligible Major Support Amenities include:
Restroom buildings that support public access in newly greened spaces Parking lots designed or retrofitted with permeable paving and shade-providing vegetation
Lighting and landscaping that incorporate climate-ready vegetation, low-water plantings, and long-term climate-resilient design
Cerritos Park, located in south Glendale, is a 1.4-acre neighborhood park situated at 3690 San Fernando Road, directly adjacent to Cerritos Elementary School, a Title I school. The park officially opened in October 2007 to help address a longstanding deficiency of parkland in south Glendale on a site previously occupied by a used car lot and service station. All original park amenities, installed nearly 20 years ago, remain in place today.
5d3
26-90394
6 9
6 0
Based on recent park renovation project costs, such as the Mayors Bicentennial Park Playground Replacement and Fremont Park Renovation projects, and accounting for inflation and escalation, staff estimates total project cost for the Project to be $2.5 million breakdown as follows:
Project Phase Estimated Cost
Design (Concept – Construction Admin) $ 300,000.00 Permits + Misc. expenses $ 50,000.00
Construction $ 2,000,000.00
Construction Management and Inspections $ 150,000.00 TOTAL $ 2,500,000.00
The Urban Greening Grant award selections are expected to be announced in December 2026. Following the award announcement, the Grant Performance Period will begin, with all funded projects required to be completed no later than March 1, 2030.
The proposed Project will transform the existing park into a multi-benefit park with new and upgraded amenities that will provide both passive and active recreational opportunities for people of all ages and abilities. This renovation Project is needed due to aging park infrastructure, outdated playground and splash pad features, worn PIP surfacing, and restrooms that no longer meet updated ADA accessibility standards.
These conditions limit safe recreational use and disproportionately affect vulnerable populations who rely on accessible public parks in their neighborhood.
Considering the Urban Greening Grant Program’s emphasis on nature-based solutions, extreme-heat mitigation, and the expansion of green, climate-resilient spaces, and the community’s preference of amenities, staff recommends that the application prioritize the following outdoor green and recreational improvements:
Water-efficient splash pad with updated recirculating water system; Age 2–5 and 5–12 nature-based playground structures with integrated shade cover;
ADA-compliant PIP surfacing for the playground;
ADA-compliant restroom renovations and an added outdoor shower (per public health requirements for splash pads);
Native and drought-tolerant landscaping (including pollinator garden) and trees; Enhanced seating; and
Upgraded lighting and improved stormwater capture using nature-based solutions (e.g., rain gardens and/or bioswales).
Overall, these enhancements will significantly reduce the urban heat island effect by increasing the tree canopy, adding built shade elements over play areas, and bringing shade trees to passive areas, adding climate-responsive planting and nature-based solutions, and improving water play features, ensuring safer and more comfortable conditions during extreme heat. The proposed improvements will enhance community well-being by revitalizing an important neighborhood gathering space, increasing 5d4
26-90394
6 9
6 0
opportunities for social interaction, and providing newly renovated public amenities that encourage residents of all ages to enjoy the park more frequently and comfortably.
Staff is drafting an RFP for the design of the Project that will align with the scope outlined in the grant application. The Concept Design Phase is estimated to take 9-12 months, during which time both the community and City Council will be engaged in discussing options for development of the park.
STAKEHOLDERS/OUTREACH
The Project serves a critically underserved neighborhood with only 0.13 acres of parkland per 1,000 residents, far below the County median. Cerritos Park is adjacent to Cerritos Elementary, a Title I school where most students qualify for the Free and Reduced Lunch Program. The park is in Census Tract 3025.05, identified as a Disadvantaged Community with a Household Median Income at 73.6% of the state average and a Heat Vulnerability Score of 58.53, placing it in a high-priority zone for extreme heat risk. Children, seniors, low-income households, individuals with disabilities, and families in these high-priority zones who lack access to private cooling resources are disproportionately impacted by heat and limited access to outdoor recreational amenities.
The Project directly responds to these community needs by incorporating nature-based cooling strategies, increasing shade, modernizing the splash pad with a water-efficient self-cycling system, improving ADA-compliant pathways and restrooms, and providing safer, cooler play surfaces. These improvements will revitalize an important neighborhood gathering space, enhance community well-being, and create a more comfortable and accessible environment for residents of all ages.
In addition, the Project reflects community priorities as identified through the City’s ongoing Open Space and Recreation Element update, funded by LA County Measure A. Statistically valid survey results show strong community preferences for passive green spaces (30%), water-based amenities such as splash pads and pools (33%), and playgrounds (19%), aligning closely with the proposed improvements. As the City moves into the design phase, additional outreach will be conducted to further refine how residents envision the park, ensuring the Project continues to reflect community priorities.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact at this time. Should the grant be awarded, staff will return to the City Council to request appropriation of the grant funds, along with the Measure A grant funds.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW (CEQA/NEPA)
The action being considered is categorically exempt from CEQA pursuant to: (1) CEQA Guidelines Section 15301, in that it consists of the operation, repair, maintenance, or minor alteration of existing public structures, facilities, mechanical equipment, or topographical features, involving negligible or no expansion of existing or former use; (2) CEQA Guideline Section 15303, in that it consists of the construction and location of 5d5
26-90394
6 9
6 0
limited numbers of new, small facilities or structures, or installation of small new equipment and facilities in small structures; and/or (3) CEQA Guidelines Section 15304, in that it consists of minor public alternations in the condition of land or vegetation that do not involve removal of healthy, mature, scenic trees.
CAMPAIGN DISCLOSURE
This item is exempt from campaign disclosure requirements.
ALTERNATIVES TO STAFF RECOMMENDATION
1.Do not approve filing a grant application to the California Natural Resources Agency for the Climate Bond Grant Funds for the Project, which would not allow staff to undertake the necessary renovations to the park.
2. The City Council may consider any other alternative not proposed by staff.
ADMINISTRATIVE ACTION
Submitted by:
Onnig Bulanikian, Director of Community Services & Parks Prepared by:
Tereza Aleksanian, Deputy Director of Community Services & Parks Cindy Camberos, Assistant Project Manager
Julianna De La Cruz, Senior Administrative Analyst
Joseph Gonzalez, Park Planner
Approved by:
Roubik R. Golanian, P.E., City Manager
EXHIBITS/ATTACHMENTS
None.