Report Prepared by: Diana Olmos, Administrative Assistant, Parks and Recreation
Title
SUBJECT: Community Park 42- Merced Regional Sport Complex Update
REPORT IN BRIEF
Community Park 42 is under development and poised to provide Merced a new regional sports complex. The site includes over 30 acres of park space planned for 3 phases of construction and various activities, namely mixed-use fields dedicated to soccer and football. A project report on funding, design, partnerships and timeline will be given to the Recreation and Parks Commission.
RECOMMENDATION
Information only-no action required
Body
DISCUSSION
Community Park 42 on the corner of Mission Avenue and Tyler Road was identified as the home for Merced’s future Sports Complex over a decade ago. Although a site plan was developed that included a primary focus on youth soccer and football fields, the City did not have adequate funding required to fund development.
In 2021, Merced City Council adopted the strategic investment plan for utilization of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding. Part of that investment included a $5,000,000 allocation to design and construction of Community Park 42. The design was created by O’Dell Engineering and included 6 soccer/football fields, basketball court, tennis/pickleball courts, volleyball courts, an all-inclusive playground, a futsal court, a concession stand with restroom and a large shade structure. Funding for the playground was acquired in the amount of $400,000 from a First 5 of Merced County grant. A $600,000 contribution was made by Merced County Office of Education for the construction of ADA components of the park including parking and the Futsal Court for use by Merced County students. Parks & Community Services received an additional grant from California Department of Natural Resources in the amount of $178,000. These funds were acquired for the construction of the restroom and concession stand.
The design could not be completely constructed with the $5,600,000 allocated and was thereafter broken into 3 phases of development (image of phased development provided in attachment 1). In 2023 City Council reassessed their ARPA funding allocations and approved an additional 2,300,000 allocation to Community Park 42. This allocation helped to secure the funding necessary to move into phase two of construction.
An additional $500,000 was awarded earlier this year and a request for an additional $5,000,000 was recently made to the state legislature by the City of Merced to fund aspects of phase 3.
In addition, the City of Merced has entered a Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Merced, County of Merced, Merced Union High School District (MUHSD) and Merced County Office of Education (MCOE) to form a Joint Power Authority (JPA). The JPA is yet to be formed but the MOU allocates additional property (CP-42 North) and funding to the regional sports complex footprint, expanding the planned site to almost 70 acres. The land dedicated for use currently belongs to MUHSD and will need to be cleared for development and annexed into the City. A conceptual design for CP-42 North will be provided within the next year.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Site Plans for Full Build Out, Phase 1 and 2