CALIFORNIA STATE COASTAL CONSERVANCY (4)

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SAWTAGO PARK PHASE l CONSTRUC('TON S. Prior to commencing the project, the grantee shall enter into and record an agreement pursuant to Public Resources Code 31116(c) sufficient to protect the public interest in the improvements. Staff further recommends that the Conservancy adopt the following findings: "Based on the accompanying staff report and attached exhibits, the State Coastal Conservancy hereby finds that: The proposed authorization is consistent with Chapter 4.6 of Division 21 of the Public Resources Code, regarding the Santa Ana River Conservancy Program and funding for public access to, enjoyment of, and enhancement of the recreational and educational experience on program lands in a manner consistent with the protection of land and natural resources and economic resources in the Santa Ana River area and its tributaries. 2. The proposed project is consistent with the current Conservancy Project Selection Criteria and Guidelines." PROJECT SUMMARY: Staff recommends that the Conservancy authorize disbursement of up to $1,000,000 to the City of Santa Ana (City) to construct Phase I of the Santiago Park improvements. The City has completed design and engineering and is ready to proceed immediately with construction of the project upon approval of funding. The purpose of the project is to restore a key section of Santiago Park. Phase I Santiago Park improvements are located at East Memory Lane and Lawson Way in the City of Santa Ana. A portion of Valencia Street and an undeveloped and deteriorated parcel of land bifurcate Santiago Park. The proposed project area presently has a few mature trees that are in decline due to disease or lack of irrigation. The ground is barren dirt with a deteriorated gas storage house, an old fire ring, faulty security lighting, and a dilapidated barbeque area. An approximately three hundred -foot portion of Valencia Street divides the park and is blocked off and no longer used for through traffic. The adjacent areas of Santiago Park are heavily used by the public and visitors to the Discovery Cube Orange County, a science museum for children immediately across the street from the park. Youth from Santa Ana's disadvantaged communities visiting the Discovery Cube utilize the park for lunch picnics and recreation as part of their field trip experiences. The proposed project includes the following elements: planting of native riparian landscaping and installation of a drip irrigation system; renovation of the old gashouse (so named as it was previously used to store fuel for park equipment and maintenance) for use as a refreshment concession for park patrons during events in the park; installation of a natural rustic amphitheater; installation of new play equipment with rustic features adjacent to the existing Page 2 of 7