TO: Parks and Recreation Commission
FROM: Emmy Westlake, Grants Management Specialist
SUBJECT:
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Statewide Park Development and Community Revitalization Program (SPP) Grant Application Community Engagement and Survey Feedback Update
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RECOMMENDED COUNCIL ACTION:
recommendation
None, informational only
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SUMMARY:
The Office of Grants and Local Services is administering Round 5 of the Statewide Park Development and Community Revitalization Program. The goal of the Statewide Park Program is to create new parks and new recreation opportunities in critically underserved communities across California. The grant application includes Project Selection Criteria for community engagement and feedback on the desired recreational features and location of the features within the park or project site. The applicant or partners' goal for the project selection criteria is to facilitate at least five (5) community engagement meetings within a convenient distance for residents. The goal is to reach a broad representation of the City of Red Bluff and its residents with these meetings. A community survey was created and three (3) of the five (5) community outreach events have occurred as of this staff report.
1. Community Engagement and Design-Red Bluff Community Center, 1500 S. Jackson Street 10/27/2026 12pm-1pm
2. Community Engagement and Design-Villa Columba Apartments, 460 Main Street 10/29/2026 11am-12pm
3. Community Engagement-Red Bluff City Hall, 555 Washington Street, 10/30/2026 2pm-5pm
The resulting analysis from the survey as of 11/4/2026 is following (broke down into application selection criteria).
Selection of Recreation Features:
• 51% are in favor of a playground for all ages and abilities
• 50% a shade structure at the splash pad
• 47% safe walking paths and/or loops throughout the park
• 46% requested a farmer’s market gazabo or pavilion with solar walking path access and tables.
Other suggested features by the community include a shaded playground (largely requested), and picnic tables and benches around the splash pad area and a soccer field.
Suggestions for:
1. Climate Change
• 53% shade features
• 43% climate sustainable landscaping (including trees, shrubs, and drought tolerant grasses)
• 39% smart irrigation system
Additional suggested items included solar panels for sustainability and as a shade structure.
2. Safe Public Use
• 46% new parking with ADA and lighting for safety
• 43% surveillance cameras
• 33% fall material in playgrounds
Slowing the traffic and additional lighting were additional suggestions heavily noted by survey participants.
3. Park Beautification
• 49% walking paths with sun/shade gardens
• 41% trees, shrubs, drought tolerant sod and irrigation
• 41% benches and picnic tables with lighting
Additional items include public art and murals.
The community feedback has been very positive and extremely helpful with great suggestions for additional needs for the community and for Phase II of the River Park Project. There are two additional upcoming community engagement and design workshops.
1. Community and Design Meeting in the Park/Farmers Market Area, 104 Riverside Way, 11/7/2026 9am-12pm
2. Community Engagement and Design Meeting- City Hall, 555 Washington Street, after the Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting, 11/10/2026, 5:30pm
ATTACHMENTS:
1. SSP Application Guide Round 5