Riverside Park Funding: City Chases $188 Million State Grant Pool
Officials plan to submit four applications for state infrastructure money that requires no matching funds, a move that has split the local commission over future maintenance costs.
By Gabriela Ivanov ·
A dispute over long-term maintenance costs has emerged in Riverside as city leaders prepare to bid on state grants for four major park projects. The proposals include a new swimming pool, a neighborhood park, and a community center replacement. The central tension lies in the gap between acquiring new facilities and funding their ongoing upkeep, a concern voiced by a dissenting commissioner during a recent vote.
The Park and Recreation Commission voted 6-1 on Oct. 19 to receive and file the update on these proposals. Commissioner Kevin Dawson was the lone dissenter. He cited worries about project costs and the need to repair existing infrastructure. His opposition highlights the administrative challenge of balancing new construction with the preservation of current assets.
The city is targeting the Statewide Park Development and Community Revitalization Program. Funded by Proposition 4, a climate bond approved by voters in 2024, the program has $188.5 million available in a single funding round. Each of Riverside's four applications could seek up to $8.5 million. The grants are attractive because they require no matching funds from the city, a feature staff noted often makes other opportunities inaccessible.
Staff plans to evaluate the applications and drop any that do not appear competitive. For La Sierra Park in Ward 7, the proposal aims to close a gap in pool access, as no public pools exist in Wards 4, 6, or 7. The design would relocate the existing playground to a T-ball field and add 24 parking spaces. The pool would feature a zero-depth entry to improve accessibility for older adults and people with disabilities.
At Martha McLean Anza Narrows Park in Ward 3, the redevelopment is estimated at $12 million. The Santa Ana River Conservancy has committed $6 million to the project. Proposed additions include a playground, restrooms, a bandshell, and a trailhead for the Santa Ana River Trail. Landscaping barriers are also planned to keep unauthorized vehicles out of the river bottom, reducing habitat damage and wildfire risks.
Mission Ranch Park in Ward 4 has remained undeveloped since the city purchased the 12-acre property in 2011. The acquisition followed stalled development during the Great Recession. An $8.5 million grant would not cover all desired amenities, so staff suggest building the park in phases. Residents have expressed interest in a swimming pool and a senior center during recent outreach.
The final project targets Nichols Park in Ward 3. The city plans to replace a 10,000-square-foot community center built in 1977 with a facility ranging from 16,000 to 30,000 square feet. An architectural consultant determined that renovation was not cost-effective. The new building would serve as a Deaf Cultural Community Center and an emergency shelter. The city already submitted a separate $10 million Community Resilience Center grant application in September.
Staff estimates annual operating expenses would increase by approximately $505,000 across the four projects. This includes $213,000 for the La Sierra pool, $25,000 for water play at Martha McLean Anza Narrows, $147,000 for Nichols, and $100,000 for Mission Ranch. Commissioner Stephanie Schaefer argued that pursuing the grants is a prudent strategy. She stated that it would be foolish not to apply, given the time it takes to determine which projects will move forward.
