IMPROVEMENTS AT ABALONE COVE SHORELINE PARK

The City Council adopted the Coast Vision Plan in 2008, which provides the City with guidance for implementing future improvements to key areas along the coast.  One of the key areas examined in the Plan is Abalone Cove Shoreline Park.  The Coast Vision Plan identifies the following goals for the Abalone Cove site:

1. Add new park amenities – picnic tables, shade features, benches, trash receptacles, and an ADA accessible bluff top trail and trail signage.
2. Implement an invasive species removal and low profile shade tree planting program within the park.

In 2010, the City Council adopted the following Tactical Goal:

Improve the City’s recreational and educational facilities by expanding opportunities for active recreational uses and improving access to all parks.

The City has applied for two separate grant opportunities for Abalone Cove Shoreline Park to help achieve these goals.  The details of each grant application are listed below.

                                               
LAND AND WATER CONSERVATION FUND PROGRAM GRANT APPLICATION

On October 19, 2010, the City Council adopted a Resolution approving the application for the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) Grant-In-Aid program, which provides funding for park improvements.  To read the complete report and Resolution, click here.

The City of Rancho Palos Verdes has submitted an application which proposes to make improvements to Abalone Cove Shoreline Park.

Project Background

The California State Parks and Recreation Department is accepting grant applications for the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) Grant Program.  The LWCF program provides matching grants for acquisition or development of lands and facilities that provide or support public outdoor recreation.  The amount of the state’s apportionment for this year is $1,740,430.  The applications for the LWCF were due on November 1, 2010. 
To learn more about the grant program, you can visit the State’s website at www.parks.ca.gov/grants

The Grant Application

A focus group meeting was held on Friday, October 22, 2010, to gather input from various members of the community regarding this grant application.  The grant application was sent to the State of California Department of Parks and Recreation and is currently being evaluated.  The application is requesting $310,830 to make improvements to Abalone Cove Shoreline Park.  The improvements would include:

1. Replace picnic tables and benches
2. Construct shade structures
3. Replace trash receptacles
4. Install mutt mitt dispensers
5. Install park benches
6. Develop a natural children’s exploration area
7. Improve trailheads and all trails/paths
8. Improve picnic areas
9. Replace bluff top fencing
10. Install interpretive signage along trails
11. Improve viewing areas
12. Install a kiosk preserve sign

To read the complete grant application, click here.

Next Steps

The grant application is under review by the State of California Department of Parks and Recreation.  They will notify the grantees in approximately six months if they have been recommended to receive funding.

GRANT APPLICATION FOR ABALONE COVE NATURE EDUCATION CENTER

On June 1, 2010, the City Council adopted a Resolution approving the application for the Nature Education Facility Program Funds.  To read the complete report and Resolution, click here.

The City of Rancho Palos Verdes applied for a grant to construct a nature education center at Abalone Cove Shoreline Park on July 1, 2010.  This grant opportunity is available through the State of California Department of Parks and Recreation Office of Grants and Local Services.

Project Background

The State of California Department of Parks and Recreation issued a one-time “call for projects” for a new program titled, “Nature Education Facilities Grant Program.”  This grant program was developed as a result of Proposition 84, which was passed by the voters in 2006.  The program will be funding $93 million in projects, and the City may request up to $7 million for an eligible project and no local match is required.  The grant program is to fund “brick and mortar” facilities which, “Educate visitors, inspire environmental stewardship, increase the public’s understanding and knowledge of California resources and meet one or more of the following objectives:

1. Combine the study of natural science with preservation, demonstration and education programs that serve diverse populations;
2. Provide collections and programs related to the relationship of Native American cultures to the environment; and/or
3. Conduct marine wildlife conservation research.”

If the grant is awarded to the City, the project would not need to be completed until 2016.  To learn more about the grant program, you can visit the State’s website at www.parks.ca.gov/grants

The Grant Application

The grant application was received by the State of California Department of Parks and Recreation and is currently being evaluated.  The application is requesting $7,000,000 to construct a Nature Education Center at Abalone Cove Shoreline Park.  The improvements would include:

1. A nature education building that is approximately 5,900 square feet
2. Improved parking lot
3. Renovated restrooms
4. Improvements to the Chapel View Trail
5. Native plants and habitat restoration
6. Interpretive signage
7. Improved picnics areas

To read the complete grant application, click here.

Next Steps

The grant application is under review by the State of California Department of Parks and Recreation.  They will notify the grantees in six months.  If the City is awarded the grant, the public will have many opportunities to provide input on the project.  Since the current design is only a conceptual design, an architect would be hired to design a project for City Council approval. The project would require a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) application and a review as required by the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).


Learn More

Inquiries regarding these grant applications should be directed to Sara Singer, Senior Administrative Analyst, City Manager’s Office at 310-544-5204 or by email at saras@rpv.com.