STAFF REPORT
City of Lancaster
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05/13/25
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Date: May 13, 2025
To: Mayor Parris and City Council Members
From: Sonya Patterson, Parks, Arts, Recreation, and Community Services Director Subject:Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership (ORLP) Grant Application Local Funding Commitment
Recommendation:
A. Allocation commitment of $2,350,000 in matching local funds to the ORLP Grant upon award for the Webber Pool and Jane Reynolds Park Improvement Project.
B. Authorize the City Manager, or his designee, to execute all contracts and associated documents, including, but not limited to, a Letter of Commitment committing up to $2,350,000 in matching funds, subject to City Attorney approval.
G.C. Section 84308: N/A
Fiscal Impact:
None at this time. Upon successful grant award the City will be required to allocate $2,350,000 in local funds as a match for the ORLP Round 8 funds.
Background:
The Webber Pool and Jane Reynolds Park Improvement Project addresses the need for enhanced recreational amenities in Lancaster. A key component of this initiative is the reconstruction of the currently non-functional Webber Pool, including new service equipment and repairs to the pool building and vandalized restroom facilities. The project also features new water play elements with the development of a new splash pad area, responding directly to community requests for aquatic features.
Beyond water features, the project scope includes a new walking and exercise path around the pool, picnic tables, improved park lighting, and landscaping with drought-tolerant and native plants for enhanced environmental sustainability. An underground stormwater capture and smart irrigation systems will improve water efficiency.
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The community has strongly advocated for the reopening of Webber Pool and adding a walking path, both of which are central to this revitalization effort.
The City is actively pursuing grant funding through the nationally competitive Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership (ORLP) program to support these vital improvements in an economically disadvantaged urban area with limited access to outdoor recreation. The ORLP program, funded through the Land and Water Conservation Fund, is a nationally competitive grant program that aims to assist with limited access to outdoor recreation. This program provides funding for the acquisition, development, and/or substantial renovation of public parks and outdoor recreation spaces.
Staff is pleased to report two significant developments regarding the Webber Pool and Jane Reynolds Park Improvement Project:
➢Advancement in ORLP Application Process: We have received notification from the Office of Grants and Local Services (OGALS) that the City of Lancaster's application for the Webber Pool and Jane Reynolds Park Improvements has been selected to move forward to the Federal Application process. This is a significant achievement, as the ORLP program received a record number of applications this cycle. Our project will now compete on a national level for ORLP funding.
➢Commitment of Local Funding: The City of Lancaster, through this council action, is committing $2.35 million in funding from its budget through discretionary general funds to support the ORLP Round 8 application for the Webber Pool and Jane Reynolds Park improvements. If selected for the grant award, this fifty percent committed match demonstrates the City's strong commitment to this project and will significantly strengthen our grant application.
Attachment:
1. Required Match Share Letter of Secured Contributions of Matching Share SP:AC