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RESOLUTION NO. 2016-210 OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA AUTHORIZING THE SUBMITTAL OF AN APPLICATION FOR A YOUTH SOCCER AND RECREATION DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM GRANT FROM THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION OFFICE OF GRANTS AND LOCAL SERVICES; AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER OR HIS DESIGNEE TO EXECUTE A STANDARD AGREEMENT IF SELECTED FOR SUCH FUNDING, ANY AMENDMENTS THERETO, AND ANY RELATED DOCUMENTS NECESSARY FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF THE GRANT
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RECOMMENDED ACTION
Recommended Action
Council adopt the resolution.
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SUMMARY
The State of California Department of Parks and Recreation Office of Grants and Local Services released a notice of funding availability for the California Youth Soccer and Recreation Development Program. This program provides funding for development projects that create new opportunities for youth soccer, baseball, soccer, and basketball. With the intent of the project to serve low-income urban areas with a high youth crime and unemployment rate, staff recommends that the grant proposal focus on development of sports facilities at Lauderbach Park.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
Environmental Notice
Environmental Notice
The Project qualifies for a Class 4 Categorical Exemption pursuant to Section 15304 (Minor Alterations to Land) of the California Environmental Quality Act State Guidelines.
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Environmental Determination
The Director of Development Services has reviewed the proposed project for compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and has determined that the project qualifies for a Class 4 Categorical Exemption pursuant to Section 15304 (Minor Alterations to Land) of the State CEQA Guidelines. Thus, no further environmental review is required.
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION
Not Applicable
DISCUSSION
The State of California Department of Parks and Recreation Office of Grants and Local Services released a notice of funding availability for the California Youth Soccer and Recreation Development Program. This program is funded through the passage of Proposition 40, which provides funds for local assistance grants to develop neighborhood, community, and regional parks and recreational areas, for land, air, and water conservation programs. The intent of the Youth Soccer Program is to award grants on a competitive basis for fostering the development of youth soccer, baseball, softball, and basketball recreation opportunities in heavily populated, low-income urban areas with a high youth crime and unemployment rate.
As approved by Legislature, this program will have an emphasis on creating new opportunities along with water conservation measures.
Based on community input, staff recommendations, and demographic data, Lauderbach Park has been identified as the location for potential development. Based upon eligibility criteria of the grant, the following demographics surrounding Lauderbach Park listed in Table 1* below may qualify the City for this grant:
Table I
Fact Finder ID Number |
464 |
Population (total) |
11,374 |
Median Household Income |
$37,671 |
Unemployment Rate |
20.4% |
*2016 Community Fact Finder - Youth Soccer / Lauderbach Park Grant Demographics
Based on the grant criteria, the City may be eligible to receive up to $1,000,000 in grant funds.
Staff recommends utilizing this one time grant to develop new recreation opportunities for the community and water conservation measures by providing an artificial turf field space at Lauderbach Park designating 2 youth softball fields with a youth soccer overlay as the primary objective. Additional development opportunities that may be included are the installation of sports lighting supporting the artificial turf field, and installation of a decomposed granite (DG) spectator area surrounding the sports fields furthering the water conservation measures of this project.
The project priority listing of development opportunities at Lauderbach Park are listed in Table II below:
Table II
Priority Level |
Improvements |
1 |
Development of artificial turf field with 2 youth softball diamonds and youth soccer overlay |
2 |
Installation of sports lighting supporting the artificial turf field |
3 |
Elimination of turf area surrounding field and installation of DG spectator area |
The development of the artificial turf sports fields will receive priority level one since it is the most pertinent improvements to the grant specifications, providing new opportunities for the community, but also meeting the community’s needs of sports field space for local youth. The Recreation Department conducted a Community Needs Assessment in 2015 and the highest response rate of desired program offerings for youth aged 17 and under is for Sports (shown in Table III).
Table III
Programs or activities people would like by age group (Question 23) |
Child (2-5) |
Youth (6-12) |
Teens (13-17) |
Adult |
Older Adult |
Program |
Number of Responses |
Program |
Number of Responses |
Program |
Number of Responses |
Program |
Number of Responses |
Program |
Number of Responses |
Sports |
30 |
Sports |
73 |
Sports |
44 |
Fitness |
65 |
Fitness |
27 |
Gymnastics |
21 |
Other |
30 |
Other |
26 |
Sports |
52 |
Other |
25 |
Art |
17 |
Art |
25 |
Art |
12 |
Other |
23 |
Sports |
13 |
Swimming |
17 |
Gymnastics |
24 |
Fitness |
12 |
Dance |
15 |
Art |
12 |
Other |
16 |
Swimming |
19 |
Music |
7 |
Art |
14 |
Swimming |
8 |
The City of Chula Vista only has one recognized recreational softball organization in Bonita Valley Girls Amateur Softball Association. Field space, primarily in western Chula Vista, has been one of the primary reasons additional softball organizations have not been successful in maintaining their programs. With the development of 2 new youth softball fields, this would give western Chula Vista new opportunities and space for recreational softball organizations. It would also provide opportunities for youth to utilize the space for open play, encouraging development of social skills, promoting health, and integrating the community.
Lauderbach Park is also known for high homeless and drug activity. With new facilities, we foresee much higher use from the community and anticipate a more positive and safe environment.
The State of California Department of Parks and Recreation Office of Grants and Local Services reserves the right to review the application and adjust the final award. In the event the City receives less than the requested amount, the project priority list in Table II above will be adjusted, as needed.
DECISION-MAKER CONFLICT
Staff has reviewed the property holdings of the City Council and has found no property holdings with 500 feet of the boundaries of the property which is subject of this action. Staff is not independently aware, and has not been informed by any Councilmember, of any other fact that may constitute a basis for a decision maker conflict of interest in this manner.
LINK TO STRATEGIC GOALS
The City’s Strategic Plan has five major goals: Operational Excellence, Economic Vitality, Healthy Community, Strong and Secure Neighborhoods and a Connected Community. This action supports the goals of a Healthy Community and a Connected Community by making park space and recreation available for residents to enjoy. It also supports the goal of Strong and Secure Neighborhoods by providing new opportunities for the community to utilize the park in a positive and safe way.
CURRENT YEAR FISCAL IMPACT
If awarded, these grant funds will allow the City to move forward on developing the sports facilities at Lauderbach Park. Grant awards are not expected to occur in the current fiscal year.
ONGOING FISCAL IMPACT
If awarded, staff will return to Council to appropriate grant funds.
ATTACHMENT
1. Site Map
2. 2016 Community Fact Finder - Youth Soccer / Lauderbach Park Grant Demographics
Staff Contact: Tim Farmer, Principal Recreation Manager