Public Works Agency
www.santa-ana.org/pw
Item # 19
City of Santa Ana
20 Civic Center Plaza, Santa Ana, CA 92701
Staff Report
May 19, 2026
TOPIC: Resolution Accepting Grant Funding from the California State Coastal Conservancy for the Santiago Park Trail and Habitat Improvements Project
AGENDA TITLE
Resolution Accepting Grant Funding from the California State Coastal Conservancy for Santiago Park Trail and Habitat Improvements Project (Project No. 24-6601) (Non- General Fund)
RECOMMENDED ACTION
Adopt a resolution accepting grant funds from the State Coastal Conservancy for the Santiago Park Trail and Habitat Improvements Project in the amount of $2,925,000.
RESOLUTION NO. 2026-XXX entitled A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF SANTA ANA APPROVING THE GRANT OF FUNDS FROM THE
STATE COASTAL CONSERVANCY FOR THE SANTIAGO PARK TRAIL AND
HABITAT IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT
GOVERNMENT CODE §84308 APPLIES: No
DISCUSSION
Santiago Park is a 35-acre linear park located along Santiago Creek on the northern edge of the City of Santa Ana. As the City’s only wilderness park, it plays a vital role within the park system, given Santa Ana’s urban setting and population density. In recent years, the City has completed two major improvement projects at the central and western ends of the park, including picnic and playground areas, lighting, landscaping, irrigation, renovation of the Santiago Gas House, and a new pedestrian and bike path that connects to the Santiago Creek Bike Trial to Main Street.
The Santiago Park Trail and Habitat Improvements project (Project No. 24-6601) focuses on improvements to the eastern portion of the park. Within the project area, the heavily used pedestrian trail and the surrounding native landscape are deteriorating due to an inadequate irrigation system. The area also lacks key amenities, including drinking fountains and benches. Additionally, the pedestrian trail requires improved security
Resolution Accepting Grant Funding from the California State Coastal Conservancy for the Santiago Park Trail and Habitat Improvements Project May 19, 2026
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lighting to enhance safety for park users. Access and internal connectivity are limited, with the southeastern portion of the park presenting a key opportunity to strengthen connections from surrounding neighborhoods and the park’s trail system.
In June 2023, the City secured $400,000 in grant funding from the California State Coastal Conservancy (Coastal Conservancy) to support the design of the Santiago Park Trail and Habitat Improvements project (Project No. 24-6601). The project encompasses improvements within approximately five acres at the eastern end of Santiago Park, including an accessible pedestrian walkway, native landscaping, lighting upgrades, and a pedestrian bridge across Santiago Creek. The design was completed in December 2025.
In January 2026, the Public Works Agency submitted a grant application to the Coastal Conservancy to secure construction funding for the project. In March 2026, the City received notification of the successful grant application, and in April 2026, the Coastal Conservancy Board of Directors unanimously approved grant funding for the project totaling $2,925,000, with no local match requirement.
As a condition of the grant, the City is required to adopt a resolution formally accepting the Coastal Conservancy grant award. Staff recommends adoption of the resolution to accept the grant award totaling $2,925,000 for the Santiago Park Trail and Habitat Improvements project. Plans for the project are complete and Public Works staff is ready to advance the project to bid phase pending acceptance of the grant funds. The total project delivery cost estimate is $3,125,000. Once project bids are received and total project costs are determined, staff will present a construction contract award for City Council consideration and approval of an appropriation adjustment recognizing Park Development and Acquisition funds (development impact fees) to fund the balance of the project costs.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
There is no environmental impact associated with this action.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact associated with this action. A staff report will be presented to the City Council at a later date to recognize and appropriate grant funds.
EXHIBIT(S)
1. Resolution: Santiago Park Trail and Habitat Improvements Project Submitted By: Rodolfo Rosas, P. E., Acting Executive Director of Public Works Approved By: Alvaro Nuñez, City Manager