REPORT TO PARKS & RECRETION COMMISSION
SUBJECT
Title
Community Input on Machado Park and Potential Application for Statewide Park Development and Community Revitalization Program Grant Funds (Proposition 68)
Report
BACKGROUND
On June 5, 2018, State of California voters approved Proposition 68, the California Drought, Water, Parks, Climate, Coastal Protection, and Outdoor Access for All Act of 2018 (2018 Bond Act). The 2018 Bond Act provides funding for the Statewide Park Development and Community Revitalization Program (Grant). The competitive Grant program will create new parks and recreation opportunities in critically underserved communities in California (see Public Resources Code §§5640 through 5653).
At the January 19, 2021 Parks & Recreation Commission meeting, the Commission discussed the Grant guidelines, evaluation criteria, community input process, and neighborhood park needs and priorities (see RTC #21-130). The Commission recognized the unique alignment of State, City and potentially SCUSD goals and objectives. The Commission also initiated community input to gauge neighborhood support for potential park expansion to include the ballfield area at SCUSD Briarwood School Site and potential improvements at Machado Park.
DISCUSSION
In discussion with the State Office of Grant and Local Services, it was determined that a Grant eligible project was not feasible at this time. In addition, the Santa Clara Unified School District will be conducting a Briarwood School Site master plan process beginning in the Fall 2021 through Spring 2022 timeframe.
Therefore, the current community input process for a potential Machado Park expansion and renovation as part of the Proposition 68 Competitive Grant process will be suspended. Once the SCUSD Briarwood School Site master plan process begins, the City will look for potential opportunities to collaborate with SCUSD on community park and recreation facilities and uses.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The action being considered does not constitute a “project” within the meaning of the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15378(b)(5) in that it is a governmental organizational or administrative activity that will not result in direct or indirect changes in the environment.
PUBLIC CONTACT
Public contact was made by posting the Parks & Recreation Commission Meeting agenda on the City's official-notice bulletin board outside City Hall Council Chambers. A complete agenda packet is available on the City's website and in the City Clerk's Office at least 72 hours prior to a Regular Meeting and 24 hours prior to a Special Meeting. A hard copy of any agenda report may be requested by contacting the City Clerk's Office at (408) 615-2220, email clerk@santaclaraca.gov.
RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
Note and File Report.
Staff
Reviewed by: Dale Seale, Deputy Director
Approved by: James Teixeira, Director of Parks & Recreation
ATTACHMENTS: None.