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ADOPT A RESOLUTION TO ACCEPT A STATEWIDE PARK DEVELOPMENT AND COMMUNITY REVITALIZATION GRANT AWARD IN THE AMOUNT OF $7,016,086 FOR THE VAN BUSKIRK PARK RENOVATION PROJECT
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RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the City Council adopt a resolution to:
1. Authorize the City Manager to execute a grant agreement from the State of California Department of Parks and Recreation Statewide Park Development and Community Revitalization Program in the amount of $7,016,086;
2. Authorize the City Manager to appropriate grant revenues and expenditures in the amount of $7,016,086, and;
3. Authorize the City Manager to execute and manage contractor agreements and consultant agreements in amounts consistent with the Grant Agreement.
It is also recommended that the City Council authorize the City Manager to take appropriate and necessary actions to carry out the purpose and intent of the resolution.
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Summary
Staff seeks City Council’s approval to accept $7,016,086 in grant funding from the California Statewide Parks Program (SPP) Round 4 (Exhibit 1 to the Resolution). The Statewide Park Development and Community Revitalization program, also known as the Statewide Park Program (SPP), is administered by the California Department of Parks and Recreation and funds the creation of new parks and new recreation opportunities in underserved communities across California. The City of Stockton was awarded a grant through Round 4 of the Statewide Park Program for the 1st phase of the Van Buskirk Park Renovation Project. This first phase of the park renovation will focus on repairing the existing basketball courts, creation of (2) new basketball courts, and construction of a new skate park, BMX track, and bike trails. The project scope will include all associated landscape planting and irrigation, lighting, signage, fencing and site furnishings for those specific recreational features.
DISCUSSION
Background
The City of Stockton applied for the Statewide Parks Program (SPP) Round 4 opportunity on March 12, 2021, however the City’s application, Van Buskirk Park Renovation/Expansion, was not initially successful. Prior to that, in November 2020, the City contracted with a design consultant, Design Workshop, to conduct a multi-year community engagement effort identifying the community’s vision for the 190+ acre parcel. In August 2023, with motion 2023-08-22-1501, the City adopted the 2023 Van Buskirk Master Plan and 2023 Biological Resources and Ecosystem Values Report (Attachments A & B).
The State informed staff in December 2023 that additional funds were available, and the City’s Van Buskirk project was being reconsidered for an award offered by the State for $7,061,086. City staff met with the State on numerous occasions to finalize the application and update application documents to fit the award amount and proposed project scope. The project scope: renovate existing basketball courts and construct (2) new basketball courts, new skate park and new BMX track and bike trails, represents a portion of the conceptual design as outlined in the Master Plan.
The preparation of the master plan included extensive community workshops, outreach, and feedback to develop a restored historical park for all ages of the community that will instill comradery, pride and enjoyment and aide in the improvements of the overall quality of life and health for residents of Stockton.
Present Situation
On December 28, 2023, the California Department of Parks and Recreation issued a press release announcing the City of Stockton as one of the grant award recipients in the amount of $7,016,086. Grant funds will be used to hire an architect & consultants to complete the plans, specifications and environmental requirements, a construction manager, and a general contractor to build the project. Included with the City’s grant application is a projected project timeline with a conservative estimated completion date of Fall 2027.
While Phase 1 of Van Buskirk Park Renovation/Expansion is underway, Staff are in the pursuit of additional grant funding to support additional phases of work, working towards the full scope of the re-use project. This first phase of the park renovation represents approximately 9% of the estimated $75.5M to complete.
FINANCIAL SUMMARY
The grant award is for $7,016,086. To establish the program and grant funding, an appropriation of revenue and expenditures of $7,016,086 is necessary in the City Manager’s Special Grants Fund - Reimbursement, General Administration Division. There will be no impact on the General Fund as a result of accepting this grant funding.
Attachment A - Master Plan Schematic Design with Phase 1 scope highlighted
Attachment B - Master Plan Cost Opinion with Phase 1 scope highlighted