Report Prepared by: Jennifer Flachman, Senior Management Analyst & Chris Jensen, Director of Parks & Community Services
Title
SUBJECT: Considers Approving a Grant Agreement for the Arts in California Parks - Implementation Grant Program, in the Amount of $77,000 for the General Vang Pao Memorial Statue and Mural Project and Increasing Revenue and Appropriating the Same in the Parks and Community Services Capital Projects Fund 5000, Project Number CP240049
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers approving a grant agreement for the Arts in California Parks - Implementation Grant program, in the amount of $77,000 for the General Vang Pao Memorial Statue and Mural Project and increasing revenue and appropriating the same in the Parks & Community Services Capital Projects Fund 5000, Project Number CP240049.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Approving Resolution 2025-66, a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Merced, California, authorizing acceptance of funding from Parks California for the California State Arts in Parks Implementation Grant; and,
B. Approving a grant agreement with California Arts in Parks in a not to exceed amount of $77,000; and,
C. Accepting a grant from California Arts in Parks funding of $77,000, increasing revenue and appropriating the same in Parks & Community Services Capital Projects Fund 5000, Project Number CP240049; and,
D. Authorizing the City Manager to execute the necessary documents.
Body
ALTERNATIVES
1. Approve, as recommend by Staff; or,
2. Approve, subject to other than recommended by Staff; or,
3. Deny; or,
4. Refer to Staff for reconsideration of specific items; or,
5. Continue to a future meeting.
AUTHORITY
Charter of the City of Merced, Section 200
CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES
As provided for in the 2025-26 Adopted Budget.
DISCUSSION
On September 11, 2025, the City of Merced received notice that it had been awarded $77,000 through the 2025 Arts in California Parks Implementation Grant to support the construction of the General Vang Pao Memorial at the new culturally themed park. The City is seeking approval to accept this grant funding. While the grant did not require a match, the City previously committed Park Reserve funding towards the first phase of this park’s development which this grant funding will support.
This project is a key component of a broader plan to transform approximately nine acres of existing green space and an overflow basin into a City-owned community park honoring General Vang Pao and the Hmong culture. The Hmong community has deep roots in Merced and represents a vital part of the City’s cultural identity and history. The development of the memorial at General Vang Pao Park will celebrate that heritage through interactive art pieces and artistic panels in an area of the park dedicated to the memorial.
The park’s centerpiece, General Vang Pao Plaza, will feature a seating area, musical interactive piece and a set of panels illustrating Hmong history and the leadership of General Vang Pao. The art piece will serve as both a tribute and an educational resource, highlighting the Hmong community’s legacy in Merced. The artist selected for the project will sign an agreement, transferring all copyright and moral rights to the City, ensuring full ownership and control of the artwork.
The Art in the Parks grant will fund a stipend internship to assist with the design, the production and installation and memorial. City staff have contracted Melton Design Group to carry out the design of the park and have worked to ensure local Hmong Elders are consulted throughout the design process. The plaza and surrounding landscape will incorporate traditional Hmong patterns, flora, and symbols to create a cohesive and culturally inspired environment. The project will be coordinated by Parks & Community Services. The grant application was supported by the California Public Policy Group’s grant writing team and letters of support were provided by Merced Lao Family and the Merced Multicultural Arts Center.
Under the grant agreement, the City will receive the $77,000 award following execution of the grant documents. The project reporting period runs from October 2025 through September 2026, with an interim check-in scheduled for early 2026 and a final report due by October 30, 2026. All project activities, including fabrication and installation, must be completed within this timeframe.
Acceptance of this one-time grant will enable the City to advance the project and move closer to realizing a park that enriches Merced’s cultural landscape and strengthens the community’s shared identity.
IMPACT ON CITY RESOURCES
Appropriating and increasing revenue in the Parks & Community Services Capital Projects Fund 5000, Project Number CP240049.
This budget appropriation will require 5 affirmative votes.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Grant Agreement
2. Resolution 2025-66