HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 6i - Authorization to Apply for the 2025 Land and Water Conservation Fund Grant Item 6i
Department: Parks and Recreation
Cost Center: 7001
For Agenda of: 9/16/2025
Placement: Consent
Estimated Time: N/A
FROM: Greg Avakian, Parks & Recreation Director
Prepared By: Lily Honer-Hollstien, Business Analyst; Devin Hyfield, Recreation Manager
SUBJECT: AUTHORIZATION TO APPLY FOR THE 2025 LAND AND WATER
CONSERVATION FUND GRANT CYCLE
RECOMMENDATION
1. Adopt a Draft Resolution affirming the submittal of a grant application, for a matching
grant of $585,000, with the minimum award of $292,500, from the California
Department of Parks and Recreation Office of Grants and Local Services (OGALS)
for the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) (Attachment A); and
2. Authorize the Assistant City Manager to execute the necessary grant documents and
appropriate the grant amount into the Parks and Recreation Department’s parkland
improvement project budget to support current park improvement projects upon grant
award.
POLICY CONTEXT
The City’s Financial Management Manual, Section 740, requires City Council
authorization to submit grant applications in excess of $5,000. In particular, section 3(d)
states:
For grants in excess of $5,000, prepare a Council Agenda Report requesting
authorization to seek grant funding. This report should describe the grant
program's conformance with this policy, including the results of the cost/benefit
analysis.
DISCUSSION
Background
The City of San Luis Obispo (City) park system include s a diverse mix of 28 parks and
recreation facilities covering approximately 206 acres. The City’s parks include a broad
range of recreational features, and there are various park and facility improvements or
enhancements scheduled in the City’s 2025 -2027 Capital Improvements Program,
including a project to upgrade and replace playground equipment at DeVaul Park.
At this time, grant opportunities are available that can augment City funds for the purposes
of developing and revitalizing City parks. The Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF)
Page 355 of 615
Item 6i
is administered by the California Department of Parks and Recreation Office of Grants
and Local Services (OGALS). Established by Congress in 1964, the LWCF invests
earnings from offshore oil and gas leasing to provide grants to State and local
governments and acquire lands, waters, and interests in alignment with federal land
management objectives. The program was fully and permanently funded through the
Great American Outdoors Act of 2020. Congress determines each state’s annual
allocation based on a population-based formula, and LWCF grants play a key role in
helping communities expand and enhance parks, thereby increasing recreational
opportunities for residents. Examples include aquatic centers, athletic fields, commun ity
gardens, outdoor gym equipment, public art, amphitheaters, etc.
Staff has determined the DeVaul Park Playground Replacement CIP project may be
eligible for funding under the LWCF and, if awarded, could provide supplementary funding
for additional park improvements related to the outdoor basketball court and shaded
seated area. The DeVaul Park Playground Equipment Replacement CIP project (CIP No.
2000033) is fully designed (Attachment C) for construction and funded within the 2025 -
2026 CIP program. The project currently includes replacement of the nearly 25 -year-old
playground with updated and modern equipment for ages 0 -5 and 5-12, expansion of
ADA pathways and seating bordering the playground. The opportunity of the LWCF Grant
would allow for expanding the project to include replacement of the aging basketball court
(including new backboards and hoops), additional social gathering space, and the
addition of formal shade structures for the seating and playground area.
Due to the timing of the LWCF grant application due date of August 5, 2025, staff
submitted an application for LWCF grant funding on August 4, 2025, for the DeVaul
Playground Replacement Project during the City Council summer hiatus. Staff is
requesting that the City Council confirm authorization for the application. If Council selects
not to authorize the submittal of the grant application, Staff will withdraw the application
from consideration and move forward with the current project plan of playground
replacement. Staff anticipate receiving notification of grant rejection or award in Winter
2026. One of the required attachments in the LWCF Grant Application (Attachment B) is
to provide a signed resolution (Attachment A) from the local jurisdiction’s governing body,
to authorize the submittal of the application to OGALS.
Public Engagement
The project site plan was developed from key takeaways from the public engagement
events held in August 2023 at DeVaul Park and at multiple Parks and Recreation
Commission (PRC) meetings held in 2023-2024. DeVaul Park is situated in a mix of low-
income housing, and single and multi-family housing that supports key community
demographics which Parks and Recreation has intentionally program med and
showcased the playground projects during the summer Monday Meet -Up events (2022 -
2025), as well as Rec Is Rad afterschool program (2023 and 2024).
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The recommended action is not subject to review under the California Environmental Quality Act
(CEQA), as it is not a “project” under CEQA Guidelines Section 5378. Any grant funding
Page 356 of 615
Item 6i
received for specific projects will undergo the mandatory environmental review as is
required through CEQA.
The LWCF Grant is federally funded and we acknowledge the project would require
compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act ("NEPA") 42 U.S.C. § 4321 et
seq., overseen by the National Parks Service ("NPS"). Based on the project scope, staff
anticipates that it will qualify for a Categorical Exclusion. Further NEPA Review would
occur if the grant is awarded and staff will revisit compliance requirements at that stage,
and the City may decline the award if federal obligations change.
FISCAL IMPACT
Budgeted: Yes Budget Year: 2025-26
Funding Identified: Yes
Fiscal Analysis:
Funding
Sources
Total Budget
Available
Current
Funding
Request
Remaining
Balance
Annual
Ongoing
Cost
General Fund $585,000 $585,000 $0
State
Federal $585,000
Fees
Other:
Total $585,000 $585,000 $585,000 $0
The DeVaul Park Playground Replacement Project (CIP No. 2000033) is currently funded
in the FY 2025–26 Capital Improvement Program with an appropriation of $585,000. The
approved project scope includes replacement of the playground and construction of ADA-
accessible seating along the adjacent pathways. This work is fully budgeted and planned
for construction.
The LWCF grant provides an opportunity to expand the project scope. Staff have applied
for a minimum award of $585,000, with a potential minimum award of $292,500, which
would supplement the current appropriation from the City. The LWCF Grant requires a
one-to-one match, which is satisfied by the $585,000 CIP appropriation . No additional
City funds are needed at this time. If awarded, the grant would significantly expand the
improvements at DeVaul Park without increasing General Fund commitments.
ALTERNATIVES
The City Council could deny the request to submit a grant application. Should City
Council choose this option, the City will proceed with the currently funded project scope
consisting of the playground replacement and associated ADA improvements.
ATTACHMENTS
Page 357 of 615
Item 6i
A - Draft Resolution Approving the Application for the Land and Water Conservation Fund
B - Land and Water Conservation Fund Application Form
C - Concept Design Plans for DeVaul Park (CIP No. 2000033)
Page 358 of 615
RESOLUTION NO. _______ (2025 SERIES)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN LUIS
OBISPO, CALIFORNIA APPROVING THE GRANT APPLICATION FOR
THE LAND AND WATER CONSERVATION FUND FOR THE DEVAUL
PARK PLAYGROUND AND PARK AMENITIES REPLACEMENT
PROJECT
WHEREAS, the Congress under Public Law 88-578 has authorized the
establishment of a federal Land and Water Conservation Fund Grant -In-Aid program,
providing matching funds to the State of California and its political subdivisions for
acquiring lands and developing Facilities for public outdoor recreation purposes; and
WHEREAS, the California Department of Parks and Recreation is responsible for
administration of the program in the State, setting up necessary rules and procedures
governing applications by local agencies under the program; and
WHEREAS, in June 2025, City Council adopted the 2025-27 Financial Plan,
including the 2025-26 CIP Program containing the DeVaul Park Playground Equipment
Replacement CIP project (CIP No. 2000033);
WHEREAS, the City of San Luis Obispo (applicant) applied for the Land and Water
Conservation Fund Grant-In-Aid program to support and expand the scope of CIP No. 2000033;
and;
WHEREAS, the applicant certifies by resolution the approval of the application and
the availability of eligible matching funds prior to submission of the application to the State.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City of San Luis Obispo hereby:
Section 1. Certifies that the applicant has reviewed, understands, and agrees to
the General Provisions contained in the contract shown in the Grant Administration Guide;
and
Section 2. Agrees to abide by 54 U.S.C. §200305(f)(3) which requires, “No
property acquired or developed with assistance under this section shall, without the
approval of the Secretary, be converted to other than public outdoor recreation use. The
Secretary shall approve a conversion only if the Secretary finds it to be in accordance
with the then-existing comprehensive statewide outdoor recreation plan and only on such
conditions as the Secretary considers necessary to ensure the substitution of other
recreation properties of at least equal fair market value and of reasonably equivalent
usefulness and location.”
Section 3. Certifies that said agency has matching funds from eligible source(s)
and can finance 100 percent of the project, which up to half may be reimbursed; and
Section 4. Agrees to comply with all applicable federal, state and local laws,
ordinances, rules, regulations and guidelines.
Page 359 of 615
Resolution No. _____ (2025 Series) Page 2
R ____
Section 5. Appoints the City of San Luis Obispo Assistant City Manager as agent
of the applicant to conduct all negotiations and execute and submit all documents,
including, but not limited to, applications, contracts, amendments, payment requests, and
compliance with all applicable current state and federal laws which may be necessary for
the completion of the aforementioned project. We acknowledge the project would require
compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act ("NEPA") 42 U.S.C. § 4321 et
seq., overseen by the National Parks Service ("NPS"). Based on the project scope, staff
anticipates that it will qualify for a Categorical Exclusion. Staff will revisit NEPA
compliance if the grant is approved.
Upon motion of _______________________, seconded by
_______________________, and on the following roll call vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
The foregoing resolution was adopted this _____ day of _____________________ 20 25.
ATTEST:
_______________________________ ________________________________
Teresa Purrington Mayor Erica A. Stewart
City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
_____________________________________
J. Christine Dietrick
City Attorney
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the official seal of the
City of San Luis Obispo, California, this ______ day of ______________, _________.
_______________________________
Teresa Purrington
City Clerk
Page 360 of 615
California Natural Resources AgencyDepartment of Parks and Recreation
Land and Water Conservation Fund Application Form
Project Name: Devaul Park Playground and Park Amenities Replacement J County: San Luis Obispo
Total Project Cost:$585,000 Minimum Grant Request:$292,500
Total Pre-Award Planning Costs: Maximum Grant Request: $585,000
Project Site Address: 1651 Spooner Dr, San Luis Obispo, CA 93405Project Site Latitude and Longitude: Nearest Cross Streets:
35 .254891; -120.694049 Madonna Rd
Grant Applicant (Entity): City of San Luis Obispo
Grant Applicant Mailing Address: 990 Palm St, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Authorized Representative (as shown in the Resolution)
Name: Greg Avakian Title: Parks and Recreation Director
Email: gavakian@slocity.org Phone: 805-781-7120
Day-to-Day Contact (if different from the Authorized Representative)
Name: Devin Hyfield Title: Recreation Manager
Email: dhyfield@slocity.org Phone: 805-781-7295
Type of Project: Development Acres to be Acquired: Total Site Acreage Currently I Total Acreage to be PlacedQ 93Under LWCF Protection: Under LWCF Protection:
GRANT SCOPE: I represent and warrant that this APPLICATION describes the intended use of the
requested GRANT to complete the RECREATION FEATURES and MAJOR SUPPORT AMENITIES proposed
through the PROJECT. I agree with the APPLICATION and procedural requirements described in the
Application Guide and GRANT ADMIN ISTRATION GUIDE. I declare under penalty of perjury, under the
laws of the State of California, that the information contained in this APPLICATION PACKET, including
required attachments, is accurate.
Jte--� 07/31/2025
Signature of the Authorized Representative (as shown in the Resolution)Date
Greg Avakian Parks and Recreation Director
Print Name Title
Page 361 of 615
Page 362 of 615
DeVaul Park Playground
DRAFT Concept Design
January 2024
Page 363 of 615
Page 364 of 615