PREPARED BY: AMANDA BOOTH DATE OF MEETING: 03/16/2026
SUBJECT:
TITLE
CONSIDER ADOPTING RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN PABLO (1) ACCEPTING AND APPROPRIATING GRANT FUNDS FROM THE CALIFORNIA NATURAL RESOURCES AGENCY TO THE MCNEIL PARK PROJECT (0501) IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,000,000; AND (2) AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE ADDITIONAL AGREEMENTS REASONABLY NECESSARY TO EFFECTUATE THE CITY’s RECEIPT OF SUCH FUNDS
CEQA: The McNeil Park project (previously called the SPARC project) has been determined to be categorically exempt from environmental review pursuant to Section 15304 of the State CEQA Guidelines. Section 15304 exempts from environmental review “minor public or private alterations in the condition of land, water, and/or vegetation which do not involve removal of healthy, mature, scenic trees except for forestry and agricultural purposes.” The Project involves alteration of the site from an empty lot with demolition debris to a park, including grading, new landscaping, and minor trenching and backfilling where the surface is restored. The Project will not remove any mature trees; the trees within and adjacent to the Project site would be preserved in place.
Label
CITY MANAGER RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
Adopt Resolution
Body
Compliance statements
FY 2025-2027 Council Priority Workplan Compliance Statements:
Build a Healthy Community: Expand Safe Family Friendly Park Space (McNeil Park) And Community Facilities-(105), Develop Public Facilities For Active Living (Parks, Open Space, Sidewalks, Trails, Bike Lanes, Etc.)-(109), are major policy goals contained in the FY 2025-27 City Council Priority Workplan, effective April 7, 2025.
BACKGROUND
On February 18, 2025, the City Council ratified a 2025-26 State of California Funding Request Letter for City priority projects, transmitted on February 1, 2025, by San Pablo Mayor Arturo Cruz to the City’s State representatives, Jesse Arreguin and Buffy Wicks. Following submission of the request, Senator Arreguín successfully secured a $1 million legislative earmark for the McNeil Park Project (0501). In December 2025, the City was notified that the funding would be administered by the California Department of Natural Resources (CNRA).
The McNeil Park Project, located at 2600 Moraga Avenue, will create a new 4.8-acre community park. The project envisions development of a soccer field, playground with all-abilities equipment, basketball court, small stage amphitheater, exercise stations, fitness trail, restrooms, and picnic table area. The park is intended to expand recreational opportunities, promote community wellness, and provide accessible open space amenities for residents.
To date, the City has secured $7.79 million in grant funding for the project, including:
• $4.79 million from the Urban Greening Grant Program administered by the California Natural Resources Agency; and
• $3.0 million from the Legislatively Specified Grant Program administered by the California Department of Parks and Recreation.
With the addition of the $1 million earmark, total secured funding for the project will increase to $8.79 million.
Based on the 95% construction plans, the current estimated total project cost is $11.2 million. As a result, the project currently faces a funding shortfall. To address the remaining gap, the City has applied for grant funding through the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) and Priority Conservation funds. Award announcements for these funding sources are anticipated this spring.
At this time, staff is seeking City Council authorization to accept and appropriate the $1 million earmark and to authorize the City Manager to execute any necessary agreements related to this funding.
FISCAL IMPACT
The fiscal impacts are outlined in the table below.
|
Action |
Description |
Accept TO: Fund/Account |
Appropriate TO: Fund/Account |
Amount |
|
Accept & Appropriate |
CNRA Urban Greening Grant Funds |
320-0501-33404-CNR-226 |
320-0501-43604- CNR-226 |
$1,000,000 |
|
|
TOTAL |
$1,000,000 |
ATTACHMENTS:
Att A - Resolution