Riverside chases $188.5 million state pool grants

The City of Riverside is preparing to submit four separate grant applications to the Statewide Park Development and Community Revitalization Program, a fund holding $188.5 million in a single distribution round.

Each application can request up to $8.5 million. The grants are funded by Proposition 4, a climate bond approved by voters in 2024. A critical feature for city staff is the absence of a local matching requirement, a condition that often prevents other municipal projects from securing state support.

The proposals target La Sierra Park, Mission Ranch Park, Martha McLean-Anza Narrows Park, and Nichols Park. On Oct. 19, the Park and Recreation Commission voted 6-1 to receive and file the update. Commissioner Kevin Dawson cast the dissenting vote.

Dawson raised concerns that new construction could divert resources from repairs at current facilities. He noted that the city has seven public pools but none in Wards 4, 6, or 7. The La Sierra Park project in Ward 7 would add a pool with a zero-depth entry, moving the existing playground to a T-ball field and adding 24 parking spaces.

At Martha McLean-Anza Narrows Park in Ward 3, staff proposes a $12 million redevelopment. The plan includes a playground, restrooms, water play features, and a bandshell. The Santa Ana River Conservancy has committed $6 million to the project, with the city seeking additional grants for the balance. Barriers would be added to the river bottom to reduce vehicle traffic that damages habitats and increases wildfire risks.

Mission Ranch Park in Ward 4 has remained undeveloped since the city purchased the 12-acre property in 2011. Residents have requested a pool and a senior center, but staff noted that an $8.5 million grant would not cover all desired amenities, suggesting a phased approach. At Nichols Park, the city plans to replace the 1977-built community center with a structure between 16,000 and 30,000 square feet to serve as a Deaf Cultural Community Center and emergency shelter.

Staff estimates the annual operating costs for the four projects would total roughly $505,000. This includes $213,000 for the La Sierra pool, $25,000 for water play at Martha McLean, $147,000 above current levels at Nichols, and $100,000 for Mission Ranch.

Commissioner Stephanie Schaefer argued that the city must pursue the available funding. She stated that it would be foolish not to apply, given the long timeline for grant decisions and project execution. Staff plans to drop any applications that do not appear competitive.