Title
a. Receive an update analysis on Board Referral 2017.20 (Alejo) - requesting a lease agreement between the City of Salinas and the County of Monterey for the City of Salinas to implement a BMX Bike Track and Skate Park;
b. Consider and provide direction to either:
1. Complete the referral as stated, “Lease agreement between the City of Salinas and the County of Monterey regarding County’s parcel adjacent to 855 East Laurel Drive in Salinas for the implementation of a BMX Bike Track, new Skate Park, and sidewalk on East Laurel Drive adjacent to this property (between Sanborn Road and Constitution Boulevard).”
2. Modify the referral to collaborate with the Salinas Regional Sports Authority to relocate the proposed park to the Salinas Regional Soccer Complex located at 1440 Constitution Boulevard, Salinas.
3. Rescind or modify referral.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
a. Receive an update analysis on Board Referral 2017.20 (Alejo) - requesting a lease agreement between the City of Salinas and the County of Monterey for the City of Salinas to implement a BMX Bike Track and Skate Park;
b. Consider and provide direction to either:
1. Complete the referral as stated, “Lease agreement between the City of Salinas and the County of Monterey regarding County’s parcel adjacent 855 East Laurel Drive in Salinas for the implementation of a BMX Bike Track, new Skate Park, and sidewalk on East Laurel Drive adjacent to this property (between Sanborn Road and Constitution Boulevard).”
2. Modify the referral to collaborate with the Salinas Regional Sports Authority to relocate the proposed park to the Salinas Regional Soccer Complex located at 1440 Constitution Boulevard, Salinas.
3. Rescind or modify referral.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
On September 26, 2017, Supervisor Alejo assigned Referral 2017.20, which states:
Lease agreement between the City of Salinas and the County of Monterey regarding County’s parcel adjacent 855 East Laurel Drive in Salinas for the implementation of a BMX Bike Track, new Skate Park, and sidewalk on East Laurel Drive adjacent to this property (between Sanborn Road and Constitution Boulevard).
This referral was closed on May 7, 2019 following approval of plans to develop about 1.87 acres of the site with a new homeless shelter - construction of the shelter started in December 2019. Supervisor Alejo re-initiated this Referral on November 19, 2019 (hereafter, “referral” or “project”).
In January 2020, the Board of Supervisors asked staff to submit the feasibility of leasing a portion of the 855 E. Laurel Drive property (Project Site) to the City of Salinas (City) for the City to develop a Bike and Skate Park next to Carr Lake and the City soccer complex. The objective is to provide additional recreational opportunities for Salinas youth to have a safe, visible venue for outdoor recreational activities for improved health and quality of life, to promote healthy choices, and a healthy environment in collaboration with the City. The proposed Project Site would replace the existing City skate park located at Natividad Creek Park off Las Casitas Drive.
In 2021, the State of California Department of Parks and Recreation Regional Park Program of Proposition 68 opened a competitive grant opportunity for up to $3.0 Million. The County, as real property owners, were required to be the applicant so staff partnered with the City, Blue Zones Project Monterey County and the Salinas Regional Sports Authority (SRSA) to develop conceptual drawings for a 1.7-acre skate and bike park within a 86.5-acre parcel. The design consists of a 12,800 square foot bike park and 9,470 square foot skate park. In addition to the active program elements, the recreation facility will include a restroom structure, site furnishings (such as benches and amenities), fencing, accessible connections to the existing multi-use trail system, and planting and irrigation. Field work will include earthwork and grading, soil preparation, planting of stormwater retention basin and perimeter planting and irrigation around the site. The project would also enhance trail access at Veterans Way to provide safe access to the park (Please see Attachment A). On August 24th, 2022, staff was notified that the project was not selected for grant funding. Currently, the project is an unfunded request in the five-year Capital Improvement Program.
In May 2023, staff and SRSA discussed the concept of integrating the project into the Salinas Regional Soccer Complex located at 1440 Constitution Boulevard, Salinas to leverage their ability to manage and maintain the facilities. SRSA was supportive of the proposed partnership and has engaged the design team and subcontracts the County utilized for the conceptual drawings for the Prop 68 Grant. To ensure high visibility from the road, staff worked with SRSA0 to identify a location at the driveway entrance off Constitution Blvd. This revision will provide direct access from the trail system, parking and restroom amenities. The site allows for an 8,000 square foot bike park nestled among the existing trees with spectator seating surrounded by split rail fencing. The skate park is proposed to have two courses; a 4,000 square foot flow area and a 4,000 square foot street area geared toward all skill levels (Please see Attachment B). The proposed location provides a safe, highly visible, and well managed recreational amenity.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
Staff has worked in partnership with the City of Salinas, Blue Zones Monterey County, and the Salinas Regional Sports Authority.
FINANCING:
The skate and bike park project budget is approximately $3.0 Million. Potential funding sources include no match grants, matching grants, federal and state earmarks, public/private partnerships, or general fund contributions. No funding is being requested at this time. The project is an unfunded request in the five-year Capital Improvement Program.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC INITIATIVES:
The bike and skate park promotes health and improved quality of life by supporting development of recreational amenities to promote access to equitable opportunities for healthy choices and healthy environments in collaboration with local partnerships.
__ Economic Development
Administration
X Health & Human Services
X Infrastructure
__ Public Safety
Prepared by: Lindsay Lerable, Assistant Director of Public Works, Facilities and Parks
(831) 755-5061
Reviewed by: Jessica Cordiero-Martinez, Finance Manager III
Approved by: Randell Ishii, MS, PE, TE, PTOE, Director of Public Works, Facilities and Parks
The following attachments are on file with the Clerk of the Board:
Att A - 855 East Laurel Skate Park & Bike Track Design
Att B - SRSA Skate Park Bike Track Design