Westminster City Council
SUBJECT
Title
Award a Contract to Hirsch & Associates, Inc. for the Development of a Conceptual Site Plan, Park Amenity and Programming Plan, and Grant-Readiness Planning for Liberty Park, to Support Future Grant Funding Opportunities.
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From: Jake Ngo, Public Works Director
Requested by: Administration
Prepared by: Jake Ngo, Public Works Director;
Vanessa Johnson, Community Services Director
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RECOMMENDED ACTION
A. Approve an increase to Account Number 50500-43090, “Engineering Services-Contractual Other” in the amount of $54,425; and
B. Approve a contract with Hirsch & Associates, Inc. in the amount of $54,425 to prepare the conceptual design, preliminary park amenity and programming plan, and related grant-readiness planning for Liberty Park.
Recommendation
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BACKGROUND
On August 26, 2026, staff presented an update on the Parks and Recreation Facilities Master Plan to the Mayor and City Council. One of the priority projects identified in the Master Plan is Liberty Park Site Planning and Grant Readiness. The goal of this initiative is to develop a comprehensive conceptual site plan for Liberty Park that will position the City to pursue future grant funding opportunities, including the California State Parks Statewide Park Development and Community Revitalization Program (SPP).
The SPP is a highly competitive grant program designed to create new parks and expand or renovate existing parks in underserved communities. The next funding cycle is anticipated to open in Fall 2026, with approximately $188.5 million expected to be available statewide. Grant awards are anticipated to range from $200,000 to $8.5 million per project, with no local matching funds required.
The SPP places significant emphasis on projects that create meaningful new recreational opportunities and are developed through a community-based planning process. The grant process requires extensive outreach and meaningful engagement with residents who live near the proposed project site, including in-person community meetings and an interactive design process that provides residents with opportunities to identify recreational needs, suggest amenities, and help shape proposed park improvements. Surveys and other outreach methods may supplement, but do not replace, the required community-based planning meetings.
Liberty Park was identified for grant-readiness planning because of its potential alignment with the goals and competitive priorities of the SPP. The program prioritizes projects serving underserved communities and considers demographic and park-access characteristics of the population within a one-half-mile radius of a proposed project site, including median household income, poverty levels, population, and available park acreage. Based on a preliminary review of these factors, Liberty Park represents a strong location for the City to evaluate for a competitive SPP application.
In addition, Liberty Park provides an opportunity to build upon recent park improvements. While the park has received a new playground, a comprehensive site plan has not been developed to evaluate the park as a whole and identify opportunities for additional recreational amenities, accessibility enhancements, and other improvements based on community input.
Beginning the conceptual planning and community engagement process in advance of the SPP application period will allow the City to develop a community-driven vision for Liberty Park, evaluate potential improvements and project costs, and better position the City to prepare a competitive application once the final Round 5 grant guidelines and application deadline are released.
Staff reached out to Hirsch & Associates, Inc., which has previously designed and assisted with numerous playground and park improvement projects for the City. The firm is familiar with the City's park facilities, community outreach process, and procedures for developing and implementing park improvement projects. Their previous experience with the City will provide continuity and allow the conceptual planning process to move forward efficiently.
Municipal Code section 3.44.080 exempts from bidding requirements contracts for professional services, provided by, among others, architects and engineers. Nevertheless, staff has confirmed that the total cost proposed by Hirsch & Associates of $54,425 is consistent with industry pricing.
Under the proposed scope of services, Hirsch & Associates, Inc. will evaluate the existing conditions at Liberty Park and work with City staff to develop a preliminary list of potential park amenities and recreational programs. The preliminary program will consider a balanced range of active and passive recreational opportunities, including improvements that may enhance accessibility, usability, safety, aesthetics, and the overall experience for park users.
The consultant will then facilitate and incorporate community input into the planning process. Community feedback will be used to refine the preliminary list of amenities and develop a conceptual design that reflects the needs and priorities identified by residents and park users. The final conceptual plan will provide a long-term vision for Liberty Park and identify potential improvements that can be further developed as funding opportunities become available.
The conceptual site planning effort is intended to establish an overall framework for future improvements and grant applications. Detailed construction documents, engineering design, permitting, and construction services are not included in this phase and would be developed separately as funding is secured and individual improvement projects move forward.
FISCAL IMPACT
Increase Account Number 50500-43090, “Engineering Services-Contractual- Other” in the amount of $54,425 from “General Funds Reserves” for a contract with Hirsch and Associates, Inc. to prepare the conceptual design, preliminary park amenity and programming plan, and related grant-readiness planning for Liberty Park.
LEGAL REVIEW
The City Attorney’s Office has reviewed as to form.
CONCLUSION
Approving a contract with Hirsch & Associates, Inc. for the development of a conceptual site plan, park amenity and programming plan, and grant-readiness planning for Liberty Park, to support future grant funding opportunities.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Draft Professional Services Agreement with Hirsch & Associates, Inc.
REVIEWED BY
Erin Backs, Finance Director
City Attorney’s Office
Christine Cordon, City Manager