STAFF REPORT
City of Lancaster
CC
11 6/9/26
TN
Date: June 9, 2026
To: Mayor Parris and City Council Members
Mayor Parris and Housing Authority Members
From: Sonya Patterson, Parks, Arts, Recreation, and Community Services Director Subject:Measure A Category 4 Competitive Grant Funds for the Avenue J Neighborhood Park Planning and Design
Recommendation:
1. Accept the Los Angeles County Regional Park and Open Space District (RPOSD) Measure A Planning and Design Competitive Grant in the amount of $445,200.00 to revenue account 21069900-4998 (CP11ZZ016.MEASUREA),
2. Appropriate funds in the amount of $445,200 to the expenditure account 21069900-5656 (CP11ZZ016.LOCALMATCH.MSRA).
3. Authorize the City Manager, or his designee, to execute the grant agreement and any related documents, subject to City Attorney review.
G.C. Section 84308: N/A
Fiscal Impact:
No immediate impact on the General Fund. These funds will serve as a portion of the required 50% match for the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) grant.
Summary:
The City of Lancaster is committed to the development of a new 2.9-acre neighborhood park located at Avenue J and 22nd Street West. This project was initially conceptualized to increase recreational opportunities and community engagement, especially on the park-poor westside through amenities such as a playground, fitness course, and drought-tolerant demonstration garden.
On October 10, 2023, the City Council approved the application for the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) – it was submitted, and funding was successfully awarded. On July 1 3
9 2
22, 2025, the National Park Service (NPS) granted federal approval for a Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) grant. On September 9, 2025, the City Council accepted the Land and Water Conservation Grant award in the amount of $2,460,097, which will reimburse the city for 50% of the estimated $5,020,606 project cost
A key requirement of the LWCF grant is that the City must provide matching funds to cover the remaining 50% of the project costs. The PARCS Department has actively sought additional grant opportunities to fulfill this match requirement.
In October 2025, the City submitted a grant application for a RPOSD Measure A Planning and Design Competitive Grant (Category 4) in the amount of $445,200.00. On March 17, 2026, RPOSD announced the City was awarded the grant. This Measure A funding is specifically designated for the Planning and Design phase and will be applied toward the City's mandatory LWCF matching obligation.
A core component of this planning and design phase is a robust public engagement strategy. This process will allow residents to provide direct feedback on the park’s specific features, ensuring the final design reflects the unique needs of the surrounding community. By prioritizing robust community engagement during this design phase, the City ensures that the final 2.9-acre development, slated for completion by July 21, 2030, delivers a high-utility public space that reflects the unique needs of local residents. Ultimately, this project serves as a vital strategic intervention for the historically park-poor Westside; by directly increasing the park-acres-per- resident ratio, the City is providing underserved communities with equitable access to premier outdoor recreation, fitness amenities, and essential green space.
SP:AC
Attachments
RPOSD Award Letter
RPOSD Contract Agreement