STAFF REPORT
City of Lancaster
CC4
09/09/25
TN
Date: September 09, 2025
To: Mayor Parris and City Council Members
From: Sonya Patterson, Director - Parks, Arts, Recreation, and Community Services Department
Subject: Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) Grant Agreement – Avenue J Neighborhood Park
Recommendation:
A.Accept the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) grant award in the amount of up to $2,460,097 for the Avenue J Neighborhood Park project to the revenue account 30069900.4998 (Capital Improvement Project CP11ZZ016.FEDOTHER).
B.Appropriate Land and Water Conservation Funds (LWCF) in the amount of up to $2,460,097 to the expenditure account 30069900 (Capital Improvement Project, CP11ZZ016 for construction, salaries, and benefits).
C.Authorize the City Manager, or his designee, to execute the grant contract, including all necessary documents and provisions, subject to City Attorney approval.
G.C. Section 84308: N/A
Fiscal Impact:
There is no immediate impact to the general fund with these actions. However, the project does require a 50% match and the PARCS Department is actively seeking matching funds through grants.
Background:
On October 10, 2023, the City Council approved the Parks, Arts, Recreation & Community Services (PARCS) department application for the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) grant for the development of the Avenue J Neighborhood Park. The project, with a total estimated cost of $5,020,606, was successfully awarded a grant in the amount of up to $2,460,097, representing a reimbursement rate of approximately 50% of the total project cost. The National 1 3
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Park Service (NPS) confirmed federal approval on July 22, 2025, which serves as the start date for the grant performance period, running through July 21, 2030.
The Avenue J Pocket Park project includes the construction of a new 2.9-acre park featuring drought-tolerant landscape, a shaded playground, a walking path with lighting and benches, a shaded plaza/picnic area, a fitness course with exercise stations, an open space area, signage, and perimeter fencing.
A key grant requirement is the execution and recording of a Deed Restriction on the property title, which will follow the execution of this agreement. This Deed Restriction will provide notice of the LWCF grant requirements and ensure the property is maintained for public outdoor recreation use in perpetuity. This action is a standard requirement for LWCF grants and must be completed before any grant payments can be approved.
City Council’s authorization to formalize the grant agreement will ensure the community- supported park will be constructed on the park-poor west side, the project can move forward in a timely manner, and green spaces will be increased for our residents.
Attachment:
LWCF Grant Contract
SP:AC