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SATNA ANA RIVER: SANTIAGO PARK TRAIL AND HABITAT IMPROVEMENTS IMPLEMENTATION 2. Names and qualifications of any contractors to be retained in carrying out the project. 3. A plan for acknowledgement of Conservancy funding. 4. Evidence that all permits and approvals required to implement the project have been obtained. STAFF RECOMMENDATION PROJECT SUMMARY: Staff recommends the Conservancy authorize a $2,925,000 grant to the City of Santa Ana to implement the Santiago Park Trail and Habitat Improvements Project. This project will consist of constructing site improvements in a 5-acre area on the eastern end of Santiago Park, including an accessible pedestrian walkway, native landscaping, lighting, and a pedestrian bridge across Santiago Creek in Orange County. Santiago Park is a 35-acre park adjacent to Santiago Creek, a tributary to the Santa Ana River. The southeast side of the park suffers from a lack of amenities, such as drinking fountains and benches, making it less welcoming and thus underutilized. The pedestrian trail in this section of the park is visibly worn from high traffic and does not provide quality accessible features. The current lighting system is insufficient and poses a safety concern for visitors in the colder seasons when daylight is limited. As for the surrounding native landscape, the vegetation is deteriorating from poor irrigation and contributing to wildlife habitat loss. The proposed project is part of a long-term effort to restore all 35 acres of Santiago Park. The proposed project site is immediately adjacent to two Santiago Park projects that have been completed with Conservancy funding. These new sections of the park now have a lively and welcoming ambiance that the proposed project section will be modeled on. The new park project site is a critical connection point for improving access to the park from the City of Orange and the Santiago Neighborhood. The proposed project will provide many new and upgraded park amenities. The existing dirt paths on the park's south side will be upgraded to 9,600 square feet of decomposed granite surfaces, re-establishing a continuous pedestrian trail that improves access from surrounding neighborhoods via Lincoln Avenue, as well as from the park's western parking lot and the City of Orange. Trail access points connecting to the City of Orange's trail system will be revitalized to encourage increased visitation from Santa Ana and neighboring communities. An accessible pedestrian bridge will be installed to provide a safe and inclusive connection between the north and south sides of Santiago Creek, an area that is currently inaccessible. These improvements will allow park visitors to more easily reach key amenities, including the Wildlife Nature Center, Wildlife Viewing Facility, Archery Range, and the park's trail network. The project includes additional enhancements —such as the installation of drinking fountains, interpretive signage, benches, and upgrades to the 27 lighting poles —that will further enrich the park's recreational experience and public safety. Finally, the project includes restoring over 5 acres of drought - tolerant landscape to reflect the region's natural ecosystem and ensure that plants are climate Page 2 of 6