Report Prepared by: Lamnguene Kindavong, Recreation Supervisor, Parks and Recreation
Title
SUBJECT: Acceptance and Consideration of Deed Restriction for Community Park 42 for the California Department of Parks and Recreation Office of Grants and Local Services
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers accepting and complying to the deed restriction from the California Department of Parks and Recreation Office of Grants and Local Services and recognizing Community Park 42 aligning with the public purpose of the 2018 Parks Bond Act Per Capita Program.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Accepting the Deed Restriction from the California Department of Parks and Recreation Office of Grants and Local Services; and,
B. Authorizing the City Manager to execute the necessary documents.
Body
ALTERNATIVES
1. Approve, as recommended by Staff; or,
2. Approve, subject to conditions other than recommended by Staff (identify specific findings and/or conditions amended to be addressed in the motion); or,
3. Deny; or,
4. Continue to a future meeting (date and time to be specified in the motion).
AUTHORITY
Charter of the City of Merced, Section 200.
CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES
As provided for in the 2024-25 Adopted Budget.
DISCUSSION
History of Community Park-42 Development
On April 10, 2006, The Rodolfo Garcilazo and Arminda C. Garcilazo Trustees of The Garcilazo Family Trust conveyed parcel No. 259-130-017 to the City of Merced, a California Charter Municipal Corporation. At the time of the transfer, the deed did not specify any particular use for the land but the concept of a community park that would be used as a sports complex was developed. The vision for the site being utilized as a sports complex was established through site planning efforts with RRM Design Group and was designated as Community Park- 42 (CP42).
In 2018, the City of Merced applied for funding through the California Drought, Water, Parks, Climate, Coastal Protection, and Outdoor Access for All of 2018 Parks Bond Act, specifically the 2018 Parks Bond Act Per Capita Program, to support improvements at Community Park-42. As part of this application, the City sought funding for the purchase and installation of a restroom building with six stalls to better serve future attendees of the park.
Prop 68 Application and Award for CP-42
On July 1, 2018, the City of Merced was awarded $177,952.00 in grant funding for this amenity. The grant was awarded and accepted with specific required deed restrictions, stipulating that the property be developed and maintained as a public recreational space, and that it remains so for the duration of the grant period, which runs from July 1, 2018, through June 30, 2028.
In keeping with these restrictions, Community Park-42 is designated as a Regional Sports Complex intended to support local and regional recreational and competitive sports programs. The vision for the park includes a variety of amenities designed to support local and city-wide recreational programs. Planned features include:
• Six multi-use sports fields for various athletic activities
• Lighting for evening and year-round use
• A playground designed for children ages 2-12
• Futsal soccer courts for soccer programing for those with limited access to grass fields
• A volleyball sand court for beach volleyball enthusiasts
• Eight pickleball courts and two basketball courts for diverse sports
• Multiple picnic tables for seating and social gatherings
• A concession stand for food and refreshments
• Two restroom buildings to accommodate visitors
These improvements are designed to create a dynamic and accessible community space, offering recreational opportunities for residents of all ages and interests. The long-term commitment to maintaining Community Park-42 as a public sports venue will ensure that it serves as a vibrant hub for outdoor activities for years to come and is used within the deed restrictions required by the Prop 68 Grant award used to purchase the restrooms at the site.
Transfer of Ownership
Any transfer of ownership would require an agreement to the restrictions placed on the Deed of ownership to own, operate and maintain the property as a public facility.
IMPACT ON CITY RESOURCES
Once the deed restriction accepted, the $177,952 will be available for reimbursement.
ATTACHMENTS
1. California Department of Parks and Recreation Deed Restriction