Avalon staff are seeking a grant from the state government to support the Knabe Park and VFW Memorial Corridor Revitalization project.
The matter will come back to the council if and when the grant is approved.
The City Council on Tuesday, Oct. 6, unanimously authorized staff to apply for a grant from the Statewide Park Development and Community Revitalization Program.
This was a Consent Calendar item. The council doesn’t talk about consent items unless a council member pulls one individual discussion. Nothing was pulled from the Consent Calendar last week.
Background
“The Statewide Park Development and Community Revitalization Program (SPP), administered by the California Department of Parks and Recreation, provides competitive grants for the creation, expansion, or renovation of parks in underserved communities,” according to the staff report prepared by Community Services Director David Hart and Administrative Analyst Aliana Gonzales.
“The program prioritizes projects that improve recreational access, support environmental sustainability, and enhance community health and quality of life,” Hart and Gonzales wrote.
“The City of Avalon has identified a need for improved recreational facilities within the community, particularly in areas that qualify as disadvantaged or park-deficient under SPP criteria. The current grant cycle offers an opportunity to secure significant funding for critical park development and revitalization initiatives,” Hart and Gonzales wrote.
According to their report, preliminary ideas for the Knabe Park and VFW Memorial Corridor Revitalization and Expansion include:
- Upgrading park equipment
- Improving accessibility
- Expanding green space and picnic areas
- Renovating sports courts
- Enhancing the VFW Memorial area
“Securing SPP grant funding presents a valuable opportunity to advance park improvement goals within Avalon . Authorization to apply will enable staff to meet upcoming deadlines and position the City for potential funding,” Hart and Gonzales wrote.
“There is no direct fiscal impact associated with submitting the grant application,” Hart and Gonzales wrote.
If the state gives Avalon the grant, staff will come back to the council with details such as whether matching funds would be required.