Westminster City Council
SUBJECT
Title
Application for Statewide Park Development and Community Revitalization Program Grant Funds for Liberty Park and Designation of Authorized Representative.
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From: Vanessa Johnson, Community Services Director
Requested by: Administration
Prepared by: Vanessa Johnson, Community Services Director
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RECOMMENDED ACTION
Recommendation
Adopt a Resolution entitled, “A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WESTMINSTER, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING THE APPLICATION FOR STATEWIDE PARK DEVELOPMENT AND COMMUNITY REVITALIZATION PROGRAM,” and designate the City Manager as the authorized representative to execute all necessary grant-related documents.
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BACKGROUND
The California Department of Parks and Recreation administers the Statewide Park Development and Community Revitalization Program (SPP), which provides competitive grant funding to create new parks and improve existing parks in underserved communities. The program is intended to expand access to recreational opportunities and enhance the quality of life for residents.
The City of Westminster has identified Liberty Park as a candidate for SPP grant funding based on its eligibility under all three of the program's demographic criteria. The surrounding community has approximately 0.91 acres of parkland per 1,000 residents, a median household income equivalent to 73.5% of the statewide median, and a designated climate vulnerability related to flooding. These conditions demonstrate the community's need for additional recreational investment and make Liberty Park a strong candidate for grant funding. The grant presents an opportunity to make significant improvements to the existing park, enhance recreational amenities, and create a more welcoming, accessible, and inclusive community space for residents of all ages and abilities.
The City's Parks and Recreation Facilities Master Plan, adopted in March 2020, serves as a long-range guide for park improvements and recreational investments throughout Westminster. As part of the Master Plan's mid-cycle review, presented to the City Council on August 12, 2026, “Liberty Park Site Planning and Grant Readiness” was specifically identified as a near-term priority project. The update recommended developing a comprehensive site plan to evaluate existing conditions, identify community priorities, modernize aging amenities, and position the City to pursue funding through the SPP grant program.
Community outreach and engagement are important components of the grant application process and will help identify neighborhood priorities, evaluate potential improvements, and guide the development of a proposed park improvement plan. The final project scope will be guided by community input, available funding, and grant program requirements.
As part of the grant application process, the City Council is required to adopt a resolution approving the application and authorizing a designated representative to execute the necessary documents.
FISCAL IMPACT
No appropriation is needed at this time. Staff will return to the Mayor and City Council for the needed allocation, depending on the outcome of the subject grant application. Funding for any needed matching funds is available in Municipal Lighting and Park Dedication Funds.
LEGAL REVIEW
The City Attorney’s Office has reviewed as to form.
CONCLUSION
The Statewide Park Development and Community Revitalization Program provides an opportunity for the City to pursue significant improvements to Liberty Park and further advance the goals of the Parks and Recreation Facilities Master Plan. Adoption of the proposed resolution will authorize the City to submit the grant application and pursue funding for the project.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Proposed Resolution
REVIEWED BY
Erin Backs, Finance Director
City Attorney’s Office
Christine Cordon, City Manager