Title
Adopt a Resolution to Approve the Application for Statewide Park Development and Community Revitalization Program Grant Funds for the Washington Manor Park Phase 1 Renovation Project
Staffreport
COUNCIL PRIORITY
• Quality of Life
• Infrastructure
SUMMARY
The City of San Leandro is seeking up to $7,482,050 in grant funding from the California Department of Parks and Recreation’s Statewide Park Development and Community Revitalization Program (SPP), funded by Proposition 4, to renovate Washington Manor Park. The grant would fund Phase 1 of the adopted Washington Manor Park Site-Specific Master Plan, including a destination play area, an expanded and lighted loop path, upgraded courts and picnic areas, a dog park, and native habitat areas.
Staff recommend that the City Council adopt the Resolution approving the filing of a grant application. The State requires an authorizing Resolution from the governing body as part of the application, which is due December 17, 2026.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Staff recommend that the City Council adopt a Resolution to:
1. Approve the filing of an application for up to $7,482,050 in Statewide Park Development and Community Revitalization Program grant funds for the Washington Manor Park Phase 1 Renovation Project; and
2. Certify that the City will have sufficient funds to complete, operate, and maintain the project, as required by the State; and
3. Authorize the City Manager to conduct all negotiations and to sign and submit all documents necessary to complete the grant scope.
BACKGROUND
Washington Manor Park, located at 14900 Zelma Street, is a 14-acre community park and home to the San Leandro Family Aquatic Center. It is one of three community parks in San Leandro. A Spring 2024 assessment found aging infrastructure, including cracked courts and paths, outdated play and fitness equipment, poor lighting and site water drainage issues.
In June 2025, the City Council adopted the Recreation and Parks Master Plan 2025, including the Washington Manor Park Site-Specific Master Plan. The plan sets out $13.8 million in improvements to be built in phases.
SPP Round 5 is a competitive State grant program funded by Proposition 4, the 2024 Climate Bond. Approximately $188.5 million in grant funding is available statewide, with awards from $200,000 to $8.5 million. Projects are scored on local park access, income and climate vulnerability, community engagement and environmental design. Projects that are awarded funds must be completed by June 30, 2031.
Analysis
Because the full plan exceeds the $8.5 million grant maximum, staff divided it into two phases. Phase 1, estimated at $8,193,905, includes:
• Renovated play area, basketball court, fitness stations, loop path and picnic areas; and
• New nature trail, dog park, demonstration garden, native meadow and gathering space; and
• Infrastructure improvements, including a restroom, improved park entries, signage, seating, LED lighting, and drainage and utility infrastructure sized for future phases.
Phase 2, estimated at $5.6 million, includes the recreation building and plaza, the practice softball field, and expanded parking. Staff will seek other funding for Phase 2.
The project is a strong candidate for funding because:
• The surrounding area has 2.48 acres of parkland per 1,000 residents, below the State threshold of 3 acres, and includes disadvantaged communities; and
• The area is vulnerable to flooding and sea level rise; and
• The project renovates an existing, heavily used park and includes sustainable design such as turf reduction, native planting and new shade trees.
Current Agency Policies
This action aligns with the following adopted policies and plans:
Alignment with Recreation and Parks Master Plan
Phase 1 implements the adopted Washington Manor Park Site-Specific Master Plan and the Master Plan priorities to expand amenities, improve access to parks, and enhance comfort and environmental sustainability.
Alignment with Quality of Life and Infrastructure Council Plan
The project supports the City Council’s Quality of Life and Infrastructure priorities by renewing aging park facilities and expanding free recreation opportunities for residents of all ages.
Applicable General Plan Policies
• OSC-1.2: Park Maintenance
• OSC-1.4: Priority on Renovation
• OSC-1.6: Community Engagement
• OSC-2.1: Level of Service
• LU-4.3: Public Facility Development
Environmental Review
Authorizing a grant application is not a project under CEQA (CEQA Guidelines Section 15378(b)(4)). Environmental review of the Phase 1 improvements will be completed during design.
Summary of Public Outreach Efforts
The project reflects community input received through the Recreation and Parks Master Plan process, including a statistically valid survey and Washington Manor Park workshops held in 2024.
To meet State grant requirements, staff will hold five public meetings on Phase 1 before submitting the application. These include the Youth Advisory, the Recreation and Parks Commission, a weekend pop-up event at the park, an evening community workshop, and a final community review. A summary of community input will be included in the grant application.
Financial Impacts
Approval to file the grant application does not require Council appropriation. The total estimated cost of Phase 1 is $8,193,905. If the grant is awarded, staff will return to the City Council to accept and appropriate the grant, including and City funding contribution.
The project would be funded as follows:
• SPP Grant (requested) $7,482,050
• City Contribution, Design [Fund TBD] $711,855
If awarded, the City must operate and maintain the project for 30 years. Ongoing maintenance costs will be included in future budget requests.
This Council action will not impact fund balance because no appropriation is requested.
ATTACHMENTS
A: Resolution Approving the Application for Statewide Park Development and Community Revitalization Program Grant Funds for the Washington Manor Park Phase 1 Renovation Project
B: Washington Manor Park Phase 1 Concept Plan
PREPARED BY: Vicente Zuniga, Recreation & Parks Director, Recreation & Parks Department