Title
Adoption of Resolution Approving Application to the Land and Water Conservation Fund for Estuary Park - Phase 2 Project, which Authorizes the City Manager to Submit a Grant Application to the Land and Water Conservation Fund to Construct the Final Phase of Estuary Park and for His Designee to Execute All Necessary Documents. (Recreation and Parks 10051400)
Body
To: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
This resolution is to authorize the City Manager to apply for a Land and Water Conservation Fund grant to construct the second phase of Estuary Park, located at 200 Mosley Avenue, which will include an inclusive playground for all abilities, picnic areas, open lawn, small and large dog park, restroom, basketball court and possibly additional pickleball courts. The grant requires a 50% funding match, which is available from Park Development Impact Fees.
BACKGROUND
On September 3, 1964, then President Johnson established the “Land and Water Conservation Fund” (LWCF) to assist states in planning, acquisition, and development of recreation lands.
The LWCF program is administered at the federal level by the National Park Service and locally by the California Department of Parks and Recreation’s Office of Grants and Local Services. When a LWCF project is completed, the land within the approved boundary is placed under federal protection to preserve the public’s outdoor recreational use of the site in perpetuity for the benefit of our nation’s future generations.
The first 4-acre phase of Estuary Park, which includes two synthetic turf athletic fields, was opened to the public in January 2019. The second phase is designed to be the primary neighborhood park for Admiral’s Cove, Alameda Landing, and other new housing to be built across from the park. It will also serve residents at Alameda Point, including those living at the Alameda Point Collaborative.
DISCUSSION
Estuary Park is an 8-acre park located near the Alameda Oakland Estuary between Alameda Landing, Admiral’s Cove and Bay Ship and Yacht. This second phase of the park includes an inclusive playground for all abilities, picnic areas, basketball court, open lawn, restroom and a large and small dog park to replace the interim dog park on Main Street. There is also an opportunity to include a pickleball facility at this park. This would fulfill a need for additional pickleball courts, since identifying a location for pickleball has been raised multiple times by residents to the Recreation and Parks Commission.
Staff has determined that Estuary Park is the most appropriate park to seek funding from this grant source. It matches the grant criteria well and the need to build this park is increasing as new residents are moving into directly adjacent housing developments.
The LWCF grant proposal will serve to augment the total required project funding, which is estimated to be $5 million. The LWCF grant application is due February 1, 2022. Staff is determining the final scope of the application, including the final request amount. The grant requires a 50% match in funding which is available from Park Development Impact Fees.
ALTERNATIVES
• Adopt a resolution authorizing the City Manager to apply for the Land and Water Conservation Fund for Estuary Park - Phase 2 construction.
• Direct staff to seek a different funding source for construction of Estuary Park - Phase 2.
• Direct staff to apply to fund a different project from the Land and Water Conservation Fund such as De-Park Park or Jean Sweeney Open Space Park - Community Agriculture Phase (western third). While this is alternative is potentially feasible, it will be challenging to write a different grant proposal of this scope in the short timeframe before the grant is due. There is a new funding round for LWCF applications each year and City Council could also direct staff to apply for a different park project for the 2023 application round.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
This action item does not have a financial impact at this time. However, if the grant is awarded to the City a budget appropriation will be required to meet the 50% financial match requirement. Matching funds would be available from Park Development Impact Fees. Construction of Estuary Park may require financial contributions from the City of Alameda (City) that would be subject to future City Council appropriations approval.
MUNICIPAL CODE/POLICY DOCUMENT CROSS REFERENCE
Completing construction of Estuary Park is consistent with the site’s Open Space zoning and the General Plan.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The proposed project includes the rehabilitation and improvement of an existing park, the project is consistent with the zoning and general plan designation for the property, and the improvements will be subject to the existing design requirements of the Alameda Municipal Code ensuring compatibility with adjacent land uses. For these reasons, the proposed project will not result in any significant environmental impacts and is categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Sections 15301 (existing facilities), 15302 (replacement or reconstruction), and 15303 (new construction or conversion of small structures).
CLIMATE IMPACT
There are no identifiable climate impacts or climate action opportunities associated with adopting this resolution to authorize staff to apply for the LWCF grant. However, if the grant is received then construction of Estuary Park will address climate change through sequestration from planting new trees and plants and create more shade for heat reduction.
RECOMMENDATION
Adopt a resolution approving the application to the Land and Water Conservation Fund for Estuary Park - Phase 2 Project, which authorizes the City Manager to submit a grant application to the Land and Water Conservation Fund to construct the final phase of Estuary Park and for his Designee to execute all necessary documents.
CITY MANAGER RECOMMENDATION
The City Manager concurs with the Recreation and Parks Director’s recommendation on adoption of the resolution.
Respectfully submitted,
Amy Wooldridge, Recreation and Parks Director
Financial Impact section reviewed,
Gerry Beaudin, Assistant City Manager/Interim Finance Director
cc: Eric Levitt, City Manager