ITEM 1-C

Council Meeting: March 6, 2001 Santa Monica, California

TO: Mayor and Councilmembers

FROM: City Staff

SUBJECT: Recommendation to Adopt a Resolution Authorizing the Application for Grant Funds from the California Integrated Waste Management Board=s Park Playground Accessibility and Recycling Grant Program to Renovate the Ocean Park Beach Playgrounds near Ocean Park Boulevard and Barnard Way, and to Authorize the City Manager to Execute All Necessary Documents, Including Those Outlined in the Budget/Financial Impact Section of This Report

INTRODUCTION

This report provides information on the California Integrated Waste Management Board=s Park Playground Accessibility and Recycling Grant Program and recommends that the City Council adopt a resolution authorizing the application for funds to renovate the Ocean Park beach playgrounds near Ocean Park Boulevard and Barnard Way. The report also authorizes the City Manager to execute all necessary documents for acceptance of the grant funds if awarded.

BACKGROUND

The Safe Neighborhood Parks, Clean Water, and Coastal Protection Bond Act of 2000 (Villaraigosa-Keeley Act) authorizes the California Integrated Waste Management Board (CIWMB) to award grants for the purpose of upgrading playgrounds using recycled-content materials, and to ensure that playgrounds are accessible in accordance with American with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards and in compliance with new California Department of Health Services (DHS) regulations for safer playgrounds. The State Legislature appropriated $2.558 million to the CIWMB to fund competitive playground grants for the fiscal year 2000/2001 grant cycle. Eligible applicants may request up to $50,000, and are required to provide minimum matching funds equaling 50% of the grant.

DISCUSSION

The City=s application is for $50,000 for playground renovations in two small play areas on the beach in Ocean Park. One playground is located where Ocean Park Boulevard terminates at Barnard Way, and the other playground is located approximately 1,000 feet to the south, at the southern end of the beach parking lots. Built in the mid-1980's, the Ocean Park beach playgrounds are due for renovation because of the high intensity of use and the harsh beach environment. In addition, neither playground is currently ADA accessible. With the award of grant funds, new play equipment which contains recycled-content material (steel, aluminum) and safety surfacing (for ADA accessibility) would be installed. The CIWMB expects to announce awards in May of this year.

BUDGET/FINANCIAL IMPACT

The total amount of grant funds requested is $50,000. The grant, if approved, requires a minimum 50% match ($25,000), which can be met through the provision of previously approved Capital Improvement Program funds in the following account:

C01019896.589000 $63,000

In the event the grant is awarded to the City, the following budget changes will be necessary:

Revenue

$50,000 at account number 20501.406510

Expenditure

$50,000 at account number C20097001.589000

RECOMMENDATION

Staff recommends that the City Council adopt the attached resolution authorizing the application for grant funds from the California Integrated Waste Management Board=s Park Playground Accessibility and Recycling Grant Program for installation of new playground safety surfacing and new play equipment at the two Ocean Park beach playgrounds, and, if any grant funds are awarded, authorize the City Manager to execute all necessary documents, including the budget changes as outlined in the Budget/Financial Impact section of this report, to ensure the playgrounds are renovated.

Prepared by: Barbara Stinchfield, Director of Community & Cultural Services

Karen Ginsberg, Assistant Director

Brett Horner, Senior Admin. Analyst – Park Planning

Attachment: Resolution of Approval for Grant Application