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AUTHORIZE SUBMITTAL OF PER CAPITA GRANT APPLICATION TO THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION STATEWIDE PARK PROGRAM
recommended action
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the City Council adopt a resolution to:
1. Authorize the City Manager to submit a grant application in the amount of up to $177,952 to the California Department of Parks and Recreation Statewide Park Program for the replacement of playground surfacing and upgrades at the Van Buskirk Park playground area (WP22029).
2. If awarded, authorize the City Manager to accept the grant award and make all necessary appropriations in compliance with and for the purposes stated in the grant application.
3. Execute the grant agreement and all related documents to carry out the purpose and intent of the grant award.
It is also recommended that the City Manager be authorized to take appropriate and necessary actions to carry out the purpose and intent of this resolution.
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Summary
Staff recommends that on or before December 31, 2021, a grant application in the amount of up to $177,952 be submitted to the California Department of Parks and Recreation Statewide Parks Program for the replacement of playground surfacing and upgrades at the Van Buskirk Park playground area. In accordance with the requirement under Proposition 68 Per Capita Program, a resolution must be included in the grant application. This project was presented in the 2021-26 Five-Year Capital Improvement Plan (WP22029).
DISCUSSION
Background
The Proposition 68 (2018 Bond Act), known formally as the “California Drought, Water, Parks, Climate, Coastal Protection, and Outdoor Access for All Act of 2018,” was passed by voters on June 6, 2018. Funding for the General Per Capita Program was included for local park rehabilitation, creation, and improvement grants for local governments on a per capita basis. General Per Capita Program allocations per city are $177,952. Projects serving a “severely disadvantaged community” (median income less than 60 percent of the statewide average), such as Stockton, do not require 20 percent matching funds.
In March 2021, the City of Stockton submitted two grant applications to Round Three of the California Department of Parks and Recreation Statewide Parks Program for the renovation of Van Buskirk Park and Columbus Park. The applications requested funds in the amount of $8.5 million, and $3.0 million, respectively. The State is expected to announce Round Three Grant project selections by December 2021.
The playground surfacing at the Van Buskirk playground was burned by vandals. In lieu of Capital Improvement Plan funding for replacement, maintenance staff have installed wood chips for impact absorption under the swing areas. In order to provide optimal fall protection, staff recommends the installation of vulcanized rubber surfacing to provide safe impact attenuation for playground users. Any funds remaining after the resurfacing is complete will be spent on upgrading existing play equipment.
Present Situation
The General Per Capita Program is awarding $185,000,000 in grants for local parks projects throughout the State. Stockton’s maximum award under the Per Capita Program is $177,952. Community engagement for the previous Statewide Parks Program grant at Van Buskirk will be included in the Per Capita application.
Staff recommends that Council authorize the City Manager to submit a grant application on or before December 31, 2021, in the amount of up to $177,952 to the California Department of Parks and Recreation Statewide Parks Program for the replacement of playground surfacing and upgrades at the Van Buskirk Park playground area (WP22029).
In accordance with the requirement under Proposition 68 Per Capita Program, a resolution must be included in the grant application.
FINANCIAL SUMMARY
General Per Capita Program allocations per city are $177,952. Projects serving a “severely disadvantaged community” (median income less than 60 percent of the statewide average) such as Stockton, do not require 20 percent matching funds. There can only be one grant application per project.
There is no impact to the City’s General Fund or any other unrestricted fund as a result of taking the recommended action.