REPORT/RECOMMENDATION TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
OF BLOOMINGTON RECREATION AND PARK DISTRICT
AND RECORD OF ACTION
November 17, 2026
FROM
NOEL CASTILLO, Director, Department of Public Works - Special Districts
SUBJECT
Title
Statewide Park Development and Community Revitalization Program Round 5 Grant Application for Kessler Park Master Plan Phase I Project
End
RECOMMENDATION(S)
Recommendation
Acting as the governing body of the Bloomington Recreation and Park District:
1. Approve and authorize the submission of a grant application to the California Department of Parks and Recreation, for the Kessler Park Master Plan Phase I Project, in the amount of $5,780,700, under the Statewide Park Development and Community Revitalization Program, with a grant performance period beginning July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2031.
2. Adopt Resolution approving the filing of the grant application and authorizing the Director or Assistant Director of the Department of Public Works to electronically sign and submit the grant application and any related documents necessary for the application process, subject to review by County Counsel.
3. Direct the Director or Assistant Director of the Department of Public Works to transmit the final grant application to the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors within 30 days of execution.
(Presenter: Noel Castillo, Director, 387-7906)
Body
COUNTY AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER GOALS & OBJECTIVES
Promote and Fulfill the Countywide Vision.
Improve County Government Operations.
Operate in a Fiscally-Responsible and Business-Like Manner.
Foster Sustainable Development Through Strategic Partnerships.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
Approval of this item will not result in the use of additional Discretionary General Funding (Net County Cost). Funding for the Kessler Park Master Plan Phase I Project (Project) was approved by the Board of Supervisors (Board) on September 24, 2024 (Item No. 84) from Discretionary General Funding in the amount of $5,780,700 and funded by General Fund Contingencies.
The Bloomington Recreation and Park District (District) is requesting up to $5,780,700 in Statewide Park Development and Community Revitalization Program (SPP) Round 5 grant funding for the Project. The total estimated cost to complete all phases of the Kessler Park Master Plan (Phases 1A through 1G) is approximately $23.29 million. If awarded, the requested grant funding may reimburse eligible Project expenditures supported by the previously approved $5,780,700 in Discretionary General Funding, in accordance with grant program requirements.
This reimbursement would allow the District to potentially redirect available funding toward additional improvements identified in the Kessler Park Master Plan. The grant funding, combined with existing committed funds, would help advance additional phases of the Project; however, additional funding would still be necessary to complete all planned improvements. The District continues to pursue other funding opportunities to support the remaining phases.
The SPP grant does not require a local match. The District has secured funding for Phases 1A-1C which will be identified as committed funding in the grant application. If awarded, eligible Project costs incurred during the grant performance period may be reimbursed through the SPP grant in accordance with grant requirements.
Upon completion of all construction phases, ongoing operations and maintenance costs will be funded by District assessment revenues and included in future recommended budgets.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
The District, administered by the Department of Public Works - Special Districts, is seeking up to $5,780,700 in SPP grant funding from the California Department of Parks and Recreation, Office of Grants and Local Services, for the Project.
The Project is being implemented through a phased approach consisting of Phases 1A through 1G, with an estimated total Phase 1 program cost of approximately $23.29 million. The improvements include Project design; parking and site improvements; restroom renovations; sidewalks, playground and trail improvements; basketball and futsal courts; lighting and shade structures; Dream Field II improvements; synthetic turf athletic fields; landscaping; and other associated park improvements.
The District has secured $5,780,700 in Discretionary General Funding to advance Phases 1A through 1C of the Project. If awarded, the requested $5,780,700 in SPP grant funding, combined with the previously approved funding, would provide up to $11,561,400 toward the overall Project. The District intends to utilize these funds to complete as many eligible improvements within the planned phases as available funding allows. Additional funding will be necessary to complete the remaining unfunded phases of the Kessler Park Master Plan.
The SPP grant program is administered on a reimbursement basis. If awarded, eligible Project costs incurred during the grant performance period, which begins with the applicable appropriation date, may be submitted for reimbursement in accordance with SPP grant program requirements. Accordingly, the District's existing funding for Phases 1A through 1C will allow the Project to advance while preserving the ability to seek reimbursement for eligible costs, as permitted by the grant program.
The SPP grant allows requests of up to $5,780,700 and does not require a local match. The SPP grant scope and cost estimate must identify what will be completed using the SPP grant together with committed funds, and the Project must be limited to improvements that can be completed with the grant and committed funding.
The SPP Round 5 grant application period officially opened on August 28, 2026 and will close on December 17, 2026. The grant performance period is July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2031. During this period, eligible expenditures associated with the Kessler Park Master Plan Phase I Project may qualify for reimbursement if the grant is awarded, subject to program requirements. This includes eligible Project expenses incurred prior to the grant award, provided they fall within the grant performance period and meet all applicable State requirements.
Approval of this item will authorize the District to submit a grant application for up to $5,780,700 in SPP Round 5 grant funding. If awarded, the District will return to the Board for approval and acceptance of the grant award and authorization to execute the grant agreement. This action does not authorize acceptance of grant funds or execution of a grant agreement. The requested delegation of authority is limited to electronically signing and submitting the grant application and any supporting documents required during the application process.
PROCUREMENT
N/A
REVIEW BY OTHERS
This item has been reviewed by County Counsel (Sophie Curtis, Deputy County Counsel, 387-5455) on November 3, 2026; and County Finance and Administration (Scott Bruckner, Administrative Analyst, 387-4020) on October 16, 2026.