Funding will create new recreational opportunities in underserved communities
SACRAMENTO. - California State Parks this week released for public review the “Draft Application Guide” for a statewide program that offers $254.9 million to create new parks and recreational opportunities in underserved communities across California.
Parks are unique places where children play, people exercise, families and friends bond, seniors socialize, cultures share and celebrate their differences, and everyone connects with nature. The Statewide Park Development and Community Revitalization Grant Program helps communities invest in these parks, increasing recreational opportunities. Examples include aquatic centers, athletic fields, community gardens, outdoor gym equipment, public art, amphitheaters, etc. The competitive grant program was made possible through the passage of Proposition 68: California Drought, Water, Parks, Climate, Coastal Protection, and Outdoor Access for All Act of 2018, the state’s largest investment in grant funding history targeted for underserved communities in California. The bond also provides funds for aging infrastructure, amenities and improvements to parks that will help attract new and diverse visitors.
Public comments on the draft program application guide are due by 5 p.m. November 9, and public opportunities will be held across California as follows:
Draft Application Guide Review Session with Q&A Session
Public will have the opportunity to review the draft application guide and ask questions via a question and answer format.
El Centro (Imperial County)
Tuesday, October 23 I 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Community Center - 375 S. 1st Street (92243)
Ontario (San Bernardino County)
Thursday, October 18 I 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
De Anza Community and Teen Center - 1405 S. Fern Avenue (91762)
Redding (Shasta County)
Wednesday, October 10 I 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Redding City Hall Community Room - 777 Cypress Avenue (96001)
San Diego
Wednesday, October 24 I 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Balboa Park Recital Hall - 2130 Pan American Plaza (92101)
San Pablo (Bay Area)
Tuesday, October 9 I 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Davis Park Multi-Purpose Room - 665 Folsom Avenue (94806)
Public Hearing Schedule
Public will have the opportunity to provide in-person formal comments about the draft application guide.
Fresno
Wednesday, November 7 I 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Veteran’s Memorial Auditorium (Art Hill Room) – 2425 Fresno Street (93721)
Paramount (Los Angeles County)
Friday, November 2 I 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Progress Park Plaza – 1550 Downey Avenue (90723)
Orangevale (Sacramento County)
Monday, November 5 I 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Orangevale Park (Activity Building) – 6818 Hazel Avenue (95662)
Following the public participation opportunities, California State Parks Office of Grants and Local Services (OGALS) will finalize the Application Guide and announce an application workshop schedule. More than 15 application workshops will be offered statewide in early 2019.
For more information on the Draft Application Guide and how to RSVP for the Review Sessions and Public Hearings, please visit www.parks.ca.gov/spp.
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California State Parks provides for the health, inspiration and education of the people of California by helping to preserve the state’s extraordinary biological diversity, protecting its most valued natural and cultural resources, and creating opportunities for high quality outdoor recreation. Learn more at www.parks.ca.gov.
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Office of Grants and Local Services provides local assistance grant funding. Since 1965, more than 7,400 parks throughout California have been created or improved through grant programs administered by the Office of Grants and Local Services.For more information on the Prop. 68 Statewide Park Program and other grant programs, visit www.parks.ca.gov/grants.
