Title:
Title
State of California Statewide Park Development and Community Revitalization Program Grant Applications for Del Paso Regional Park Improvement Project and Mills Tunnel Multi-Use Trail
End
FileID
File ID: 2021-00161
Location
Location: Districts 2 and 4
Recommendation:
Recommendation
Adopt a Resolution approving the submission of grant applications to the California Department of Parks and Recreation’s Statewide Park Development and Community Revitalization Program.
Contact: Janelle Oishi, Program Specialist, (916)808-1016, Department of Youth, Parks & Community Enrichment; William Shunk, Senior Engineer (916) 808-2986, Department of Public Works
Body
Presenter: None
Attachments:
1-Description/Analysis
2-Resolution
Description/Analysis
Issue Detail: California Department of Parks and Recreation is administering competitive grant programs funded through Proposition 68 - the Parks, Environment & Water Bond Act. The Statewide Park Development and Community Revitalization Program will award $395.3 million to competitive applications serving critically underserved communities throughout the state. The program focus is on funding the acquisition or development of new parkland and recreation opportunities in underserved and low-income areas. The grant application deadline is March 12, 2021 and a single maximum grant request is limited to $8.5 million.
To be eligible, the community within an approximate half-mile radius of the project site must either have a ratio of less than three acres of public park space per 1,000 residents, or the median household income from census tracts is lower than $56,982 annually. The most competitive applications are located in critically underserved communities, focus primarily on recreational amenities, engage the community and develop partnerships, use multiple components of sustainable environmental design, provide employment or volunteer opportunities, provide maximized public accessibility, and improve the community’s quality of life. City staff have screened potential projects for eligibility based on the grant criteria and recommend submitting applications for the following projects:
• Del Paso Regional Park Improvement Project: Grant request for up to $3.3 million for improvements to the regional park. Park improvements include restoration of the existing Renfree baseball field with a 250-foot baseball diamond, bleachers, and fencing. A soccer field and two sports courts will be installed. ADA-compliant walkways will connect the recreation hub to the nearby Science Center parking lot. Grant activities will also focus on habitat restoration in the undeveloped area between Renfree Ballfield and the Science Center.
• Mills Tunnel Multi-Use Trail: The Mills Tunnel Multi-Use Trail project will construct an asphalt pavement multi-use trail from the western side of the Northwest Land Park development project, through the existing former rail spur tunnel underneath Interstate 5, and connect to Miller Regional Park along Front Street. The Trail will include decomposed granite shoulders, safety lighting through the tunnel, and wayfinding signs. Drainage improvements will include installation of culverts and modifications to an existing 18-inch culvert headwall. The estimated grant request is $3 million, but the actual amount may change as staff prepare more detailed cost estimates.
Policy Considerations: Funding for these projects would enhance recreational opportunities, meet ADA requirements, restore natural resources, and increase conservation efforts. This is consistent with the City’s General Plan goals in the areas of Land Use, Recreation, and Environmental Resources. The projects are also consistent with the Parks and Recreation Master Plan and Bikeway Master Plan.
Economic Impacts: Not applicable.
Environmental Considerations: This report concerns fiscal activities that do not constitute a "project" as defined by the California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines Section 15378(b). Environmental review of the projects will occur before construction is authorized.
Sustainability: The projects have been reviewed for consistency with the goals, policies, and targets of the City’s Sustainability Master Plan (SMP), the Parks and Recreation Sustainability Plan, and the 2035 General Plan. The projects will advance the goals, policies, and targets of these plans by improving the health of residents through access to a diverse mix of wellness and recreation activities.
Commission/Committee Action: Not applicable.
Rationale for Recommendation: The recommended projects meet all grant criteria and maximizes competitiveness based on the following criteria:
• Serves a critically underserved community, as defined by the Statewide Park Development and Community Revitalization Program by having a median household income less than $56,982.
• Meets the grant goals to restore natural resources, adapt to climate change/reduce greenhouse gas emissions, develop recreational opportunities, enhance water retention and conservation, provide workforce education and training, and increase accessibility.
Financial Considerations: The proposed grant applications would provide for State funds for the planned projects. No matching funds are required. While a local match is not required under the Statewide Park Development and Community Revitalization Program, certain project elements are not eligible for funding. If awarded the grant, improvements to Del Paso Regional Park may be supplemented by District 2 park impact fees. If the Mills Tunnel Multi Use Trail project is awarded, staff will identify sources for ineligible funding focusing on available sources paid by development. If these revenues are not sufficient to meet all needs of projects that have been awarded grant funding, then projects will be postponed, reduced in scope, or cancelled. If awarded, YPCE will bring back a report to Council to establish a Capital Improvement Project and funding in the project.
Local Business Enterprise (LBE): Not applicable; no goods or services are being purchased with this action. The City’s LBE requirements will be applied to the construction project if local business preferences are allowed under the State grant agreement.