Riverside Seeks $188.5 Million in State Funds for Four Park Projects

Riverside is preparing to submit four separate applications for the Statewide Park Development and Community Revitalization Program, a pool of state funds totaling $188.5 million. The city aims to use these grants to build a new public pool, develop a long-delayed park, and replace an aging community center. The program is funded by Proposition 4, a climate bond approved by voters in 2024.

The Park and Recreation Commission voted 6-1 on Oct. 19 to move forward with the proposals. The four sites are La Sierra Park, Mission Ranch Park, Martha McLean-Anza Narrows Park, and Nichols Park. Each application can seek up to $8.5 million, and the city will drop any proposal that staff does not believe is competitive. A key advantage of this program is that it requires no city matching funds, a requirement that often prevents the city from pursuing other construction projects.

The plan for La Sierra Park in Ward 7 includes a new swimming pool to serve residents in Wards 4, 6, and 7, which currently lack public pools. The design places the pool where the playground currently sits, moving the playground to a nearby T-ball field and adding 24 parking spaces. The pool would feature a zero-depth entry to accommodate older adults and participants in adaptive sports.

At Martha McLean-Anza Narrows Park in Ward 3, the city proposes adding a playground, restrooms, water play, and a bandshell to the 40-acre site. The project is estimated to cost $12 million. The Santa Ana River Conservancy has committed $6 million to the effort, and the city is seeking additional grants to cover the remaining costs. Landscaping improvements are also planned to keep unauthorized vehicles out of the river bottom, which staff say damages habitat and increases wildfire risks.

Mission Ranch Park in Ward 4 remains undeveloped more than a decade after the city purchased the 12-acre property in 2011. Staff reports that nearby residents still lack a park within a 10-minute walk. Community outreach has generated interest in a swimming pool and a community center, but an $8.5 million grant would not cover all desired amenities. The city plans to develop the park in phases as funding allows.

The final proposal involves replacing the 10,000-square-foot community center at Nichols Park, which was built in 1977. An architectural consultant determined that renovation was not cost-effective. The new facility would range from 16,000 to 30,000 square feet and would serve as a Deaf Cultural Community Center and an emergency shelter. The city also submitted a separate $10 million grant application for a Community Resilience Center in September.

Commissioner Kevin Dawson voted against the update, expressing concern that new operating costs could divert resources from repairs at existing parks. Staff estimates the projects would add annual operating expenses of $213,000 for the La Sierra pool, $25,000 for water play, $147,000 for Nichols, and $100,000 for Mission Ranch. Commissioner Stephanie Schaefer supported the motion, stating it would be foolish not to pursue the grants. She said the city would request detailed reports once it knows which projects receive funding.