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Three Rings Ranch Park Update
The State of California Parks and Water Bond Act of 2018, commonly referred to as Proposition 68 (Prop 68), was approved by voters on June 5, 2018. Prop 68 allocates funds to local governments on a per capita basis for local park rehabilitation, creation, and improvements. Recipients are encouraged to utilize awards to rehabilitate existing infrastructure and to address deficiencies in neighborhoods lacking access to the outdoors (PRC §80061(b)).
The City of Beaumont’s preliminary allocation is $197,952 and must be programmed for capital outlay for recreational purposes, either acquisition or development. Funding can only be used to supplement and not replace existing funding (PRC §80062(d)). Similarly, if a project has been approved and a funding source has been identified, as in the case of the adopted capital improvement program, per capita funds cannot be swapped in as a new funding source unless the prior funding source is applied to other identified recreational capital projects.
Staff has identified unfunded recreational features within the community and found that only Three Rings Ranch Park meets the criteria outlined in the grant program, serves a severely disadvantaged community, and does not require a 20% match. Although Stewart Park and Rangel Park meet the criteria and serve severely disadvantaged communities, they currently have authorized funds in the adopted capital improvement program and would require that the prior funding sources be applied to other identified recreational capital projects. Additionally, all other parks within the City would require a 20% match since they do not serve a severely disadvantaged community.
Project Update:
As part of the grant, community participation is required in the process of design. Staff chose to wait until an appropriate time to conduct a park design community outreach at Three Rings Park. On April 27, 2022, staff hosted a “Pop Up in The Park” event immediately after school and surveyed hundreds of students and parents about amenities and design elements for the park. Participants were able to select colors, play elements, and design preferences that they look forward to having in the new playground and park.
The design chosen by community members was a Landscape Structures 5-12 year old playground with swings, climbers and a 2-5 year old fun dome for the community to enjoy. The remaining funds for the grant will be available to pay for installation costs and purchase additional park amenities, such as benches, tables, trash can enclosures, and drinking fountains.