TITLE:
title
ADOPT RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING CITY STAFF TO APPLY FOR STATEWIDE PARK DEVELOPMENT AND COMMUNITY REVITALIZATION PROGRAM FOR SHALIMAR PARK
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DEPARTMENT: PARKS AND COMMUNITY SERVICES
PRESENTED BY: BRIAN GRUNER, PARKS AND COMMUNITY SERVICES DIRECTOR
CONTACT INFORMATION: BRIAN GRUNER, PARKS AND COMMUNITY SERVICES DIRECTOR, (714) 754-5009
RECOMMENDATION:
recommendation
Staff recommends the City Council adopt Resolution No. 2026-XX, Attachment 1, “A Resolution of the City of Costa Mesa City Council Authorizing City staff to apply to the California Statewide Park Development and Community Revitalization Program for funding of the Shalimar Park community center development project.”
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BACKGROUND:
Shalimar Park is a half-acre neighborhood park located in the Westside neighborhood of Costa Mesa along Shalimar Drive between Wallace Avenue and Placentia Avenue. The park was dedicated in January 1999 and has a renovated playground that is scheduled to open in early 2027.
The adjacent open parcel located at 778 Shalimar Drive, Costa Mesa, CA 92627, Assessor Parcel Number (APN) 424-051-23 was listed for sale on May 23, 2024. The City Council approved the purchase of the property in FY 2024-25 for $1.5 million with the intent of developing the parcel as additional park space, doubling the park in size. Following acquisition, staff undertook asbestos removal and subsequently demolished the building on the site. The site is currently being used as a staging area for the renovation of the existing park site.
The City Council directed staff to conduct community outreach to identify needs and priorities for the future use of the newly acquired parcel adjacent to Shalimar Park. On July 22, 2026, the City entered into an agreement with City Fabrick and Pat West to develop and coordinate a Shalimar Park Phase II community outreach program and conceptual design services. City staff and the consulting team carried out a comprehensive public engagement process that included four (4) in-person neighborhood meetings in July and August 2026 and an online survey to gather community input and guide the park planning effort.
Based on input received from the community outreach meetings, the Shalimar community expressed a strong desire for the park plan for the vacant parcel to ultimately include a community center. A community center would allow for educational, social and cultural programs and activities to be hosted directly in the Shalimar community. The community recognizes that the funding for a community center is not currently available. However, it supported a two-phased approach while the City pursues and/or secures funding to achieve the long-term goal of the construction of a community center.
The first phase of the park plan would expand recreational use. The second phase of the park plan would incorporate a community center. The key elements requested by the community were a multi-use sports court, a community center with an outdoor gathering area and shade structures, outdoor fitness equipment, and an open lawn area as shown in Attachment 2.
At the September 10, 2026, Parks and Community Services Commission (PACS) meeting, the final conceptual design was presented and approved by the PACS Commission.
At the October 6, 2026, City Council meeting, staff presented the community outreach efforts and the results from the community input received and approved the conceptual design.
To help fund future park improvements, City staff has identified a potential funding opportunity through the California Statewide Park Development and Community Revitalization Program. Staff recommends pursuing this competitive grant opportunity and is requesting City Council authorization to submit the grant application.
ANALYSIS:
The California Statewide Park Development and Community Revitalization Program <https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=29939> (SPP) is a competitive grant program administered by the California Department of Parks and Recreation for creating new parks and recreation opportunities in underserved communities. The SPP was established under legislation signed in 2008 and initially funded by Proposition 84 (2006 Bond Act) and subsequently through Proposition 68 (2018 Bond Act) and, most recently, Proposition 4 (2024 Bond Act).
The Department announced in August of 2026 that Round 5 of SPP would open with a total funding of $188.5 million and a deadline to apply of December 17, 2026. City staff and the grant writing team at Townsend Public Affairs identified the SPP as a key opportunity for several factors. First, the SPP prioritizes communities that lack park space, projects in areas where a high number of people live below median household income, and areas facing climate vulnerabilities. The SPP also places significant value on agencies that conduct extensive outreach and invite “broad representation” to identify, prioritize and select park design, recreation features, and solutions to address climate vulnerability, safe public use and beautification.
Lastly, a new benefit under this round of funding is that community centers are eligible provided 50% of the project is designated for outdoor use and the center is within or adjacent to a park.
The design concept approved by the City Council on October 6, 2026, meets all these requirements:
• Shalimar Park is located in an underserved community that lives below the median household income and has a small community pocket park.
• Staff conducted four in-person outreach meetings, an online survey, and communication via social media and WhatsApp to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the community’s needs.
• The approved conceptual design provides over 50% of open space adjacent to the proposed community center, and the location is adjacent to Shalimar Park.
City staff prepared an application requesting $4.0 million dollars in grant funds to design, engineer and construct the community center envisioned in the conceptual design. City Council approval of the attached resolution authorizing submittal of grant funding is required to complete the application process.
ALTERNATIVES:
The City Council may elect not to approve staff recommendation. This action will delay efforts to secure funding to implement the approved Shalimar Park Design Concept.
FISCAL REVIEW:
There is no fiscal impact to the General Fund. If the City’s grant application is approved, the awarded funds will be recognized in the State Grant Fund (Fund 231) and allocated to the Shalimar Park Community Center development project.
LEGAL REVIEW:
This report and resolution have been reviewed and approved by the City Attorney’s office as to form.
CITY COUNCIL GOALS AND PRIORITIES:
This item supports the following City Council Goal:
• Strengthen the public’s safety and improve the quality of life.
• Maintain and enhance the City’s facilities, equipment, and technology.
CONCLUSION:
Staff recommends the City Council approve the attached Resolution authorizing City staff to apply to the California Statewide Park Development and Community Revitalization Program to secure funding for the Shalimar Park Community Center development project.