CITY OF MENIFEE
SUBJECT: Land and Water Conservation Fund 2025 Grant Cycle Application
MEETING DATE: July 16, 2025
TO: Mayor and City Council
PREPARED BY: Kori Jones, Senior Management Analyst
REVIEWED BY: Mariana Mitchell, Community Services Director APPROVED BY: Armando G. Villa, City Manager
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RECOMMENDED ACTION
1. Adopt a resolution approving the filing of a grant application for the Land and Water Conservation Fund for the development of the Sun City Greenspace parcel located at the northwest corner of Portsmouth Drive and Roanoke Road; and
2. Approve and authorize the City Manager, or designee, as agent of the applicant to conduct all negotiations and execute all necessary agreements and other documents related to the grant.
DISCUSSION
Established in the 1960s as one of California’s earliest master-planned retirement communities, Sun City has seen limited expansion of public parkland despite Menifee’s continued growth. In response, the Sun City Greenspace Project (Project), approved as part of the Fiscal Year (FY) 2023/24 Capital Improvement Program (CIP), represents the first City-maintained greenspace tailored to meet the specific recreational needs of the surrounding senior community.
The City is in the final stages of acquiring a 1.94-acre parcel located at the northwest corner of Portsmouth Drive and Roanoke Road from The Faith Lutheran Church. This acquisition is fully funded by a $524,700 grant awarded through the California Natural Resources Agency’s Urban Greening Grant Program. A formal purchase agreement is expected to be presented to the City Council for approval in late 2025.
During the Project’s design phase, the City prioritized public engagement to ensure the park would reflect the recreational needs and preferences of the surrounding senior community. On March 4, 2024, a community meeting was held at The Faith Lutheran Church, drawing more than 100 participants, many of whom were local Sun City residents. Based on the community feedback
City of Menifee Staff Report
LWCF Grant Application
July 16, 2025
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received, the final greenspace design entails a passive park ideal for short-term and small-group activities such as exercise classes and periodic walks along a variety of trails. The Conceptual Project Design is attached to this report for reference.
The Project design includes the following tailored public amenities:
• Age-appropriate workout stations
• Rose garden
• Habitat gardens
• Shaded picnic area/gathering space
• Art exhibition area
• Hedge buffer at the property line as separation for surrounding homes Currently, $600,000 in Quimby Fee/Local Park revenue has been allocated toward the design and development of the Project. With the design phase nearing completion and recent engineer’s estimates, the total Project cost is projected to be approximately $1.5 million. Therefore, additional funding will be necessary to fully implement the approved design.
To address this funding gap, staff recommends submitting an application to the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) 2025 grant cycle for $750,000 in matching funds. The LWCF supports the acquisition or development of parks and open space, with an emphasis on underserved or park-deficient communities. The grant requires a 50% local match, which is eligible for reimbursement.
The proposed resolution would affirm the City’s commitment to fund its share of the Project, meet all pre-award federal grant requirements, and authorize the City Manager, or designee, to execute documents necessary to pursue and administer the grant.
STRATEGIC PLAN OBJECTIVE
Unique Identity
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no immediate fiscal impact associated with the recommended action, which authorizes submittal of a grant application only. Should the City be awarded LWCF funds in the amount of $750,000, the grant requires a 50% local match, or $750,000, which would be funded through the existing Quimby Local Park fund balance. This would require an additional appropriation to CIP 24-11 at a future date. If the application is unsuccessful, staff will pursue a phased development approach to complete the project using available funds. Any agreements to accept grant funding, including required matching appropriations, will be brought to City Council for approval prior to execution.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Resolution
2. Conceptual Design