DATE: June 18, 2025
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Councilmembers
FROM: Development Services Department
TITLE: RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF OCEANSIDE APPROVING AN APPLICATION FOR GRANT FUNDING FOR THE EL CORAZON PARK SITE 1 PROJECT FROM THE LAND AND WATER CONSERVATION FUND
RECOMMENDATION
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Staff recommends the City Council adopt a resolution authorizing the City to apply for a grant funding opportunity for construction of the proposed El Corazon Park Site 1 Project from the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) grant in the amount of $6,000,000; authorize a City match amount of $6,000,000; and authorize the City Manager to execute all necessary grant documents.
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BACKGROUND AND ANALYSIS
El Corazon (“The Heart”, in Spanish) is a City-owned parcel of 465 contiguous acres located in the center of Oceanside, bounded by Rancho Del Oro Drive on the east, Oceanside Boulevard on the south, El Camino Real on the west, and Mesa Drive on the north. Approximately 17 acres in size, the proposed El Corazon Park Site 1 Project (“Project”) includes development of multi-purpose fields, a pump track, open green space, pickleball and basketball courts, a dog park, playgrounds, fitness equipment, and a loop trail.
On February 23, 2022, the City Council approved a Professional Services Agreement for the design of El Corazon Park Site 1 with Schmidt Design Group. The design is currently at a 90% design level.
On February 5, 2025, the City Council approved allocating 50 percent of the City’s FY 2023-24 budget surplus ($8.25 million) to help close the funding gap for the construction of the proposed Project, bringing total available funding to $18.35 million.
Staff recently became aware of a $6 million grant opportunity available through the California Department of Parks and Recreation that could help offset a portion of the City’s funds committed to the proposed Project. Since 1965, the LWCF has provided funding to support the acquisition or development of land to create new outdoor recreation opportunities for the health and wellness of Californians. To date, over 1,000 parks throughout California have been created or improved with LWCF assistance.
Staff requests City Council approval to apply for the maximum amount an agency may request ($6 million with 50 percent match) out of the $35 million in LWCF grant funding available. The application would focus on construction funding for the proposed Project; the deadline for applications is August 5, 2025. If the City is awarded LWCF funding, the following post-completion stewardship regulations would be required:
• Assurance that the park would remain accessible and protected for outdoor recreation within the LWCF Boundary Area Map; land within this boundary is considered to be under federal protection;
• Verification that the park remain open, accessible, and maintained through periodic compliance inspections; and,
• Installation of a sign during construction and upon Project completion in perpetuity, acknowledging the LWCF program as a funding source.
FISCAL IMPACT
The LWCF grant is a reimbursement grant that requires minimum 50 percent City matching funds. For example, if the City was awarded the maximum grant amount of $6 million, a $6 million match would be required. Construction funding in the amount of $18.35 million for the proposed Project was authorized by the City Council through various funding sources. Therefore, a sufficient match would be available upon the City receiving a successful grant award.
COMMISSION OR COMMITTEE REPORT
Does not apply.
CITY ATTORNEY’S ANALYSIS
The referenced documents have been reviewed by the City Attorney and approved as to form.
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Prepared by: Kymberly Corbin, Senior Civil Engineer
Reviewed by: Darlene Nicandro, Development Services Director
Submitted by: Jonathan Borrego, City Manager
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Staff Report
2. Resolution