RPVCCA_CC_SR_2013_04_02_02_Ab_Cove_Shoreline_Park_LWCF_Grant_Status_UpdateCfTYOF
MEMORANDUM
4o RJ\NCHO PALOS VERDES
TO:
FROM:
DATE:
SUBJECT:
HONORABLE MAYOR &MEMBERS a CITY co·NCIL
JOEL ROJAS,COMMUNITY DEVELOPM T ECTOR
APRIL 2,2013
ABALONE COVE SHORELINE PARK -STATUS UPDATE
ON THE PROJECT PLAN RELATED TO THE LAND AND
WATER CONSERVATION FUND GRANT AWARD
(SUPPORTS 2013 CITY COUNCIL GOALS -INCREASE
CITIZEN INVOLVEMENT)
REVIEWED BY:CAROLYN LEHR,CITY MANAGER@)~~L.
Project Manager:Ara Mihranian, Deputy Director of Community Developmen~
RECOMMENDATION
Receive and file a status update on the project plan being developed for the Abalone Cove
Shoreline Park Improvement Project pursuant to a Land and Water Conservation Fund
(LWCF)State grant previously awarded to the City.
BACKGROUND
The Land and Water Conservation Fund program provides matching grants for acquisition
or development of lands and facilities that provide or support public outdoor recreation.On
November 1,2010,pursuant to Council authorization at its October 19,2010 meeting,the
City filed a Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF)grant application with the
California State Parks and Recreation Department for improvements at Abalone Cove
Shoreline Park.On December 7,2011,State Parks notified the City that it is the recipient
of the LWCF grant (50%reimbursement grant),in the amount of$332,588,for the Abalone
Cove Park Improvement Project (the total cost for the Project is estimated at $665,176).
The conceptual project plan (see attachment)that accompanied the City's LWCF grant
application represented the culmination of an extensive public outreach process.
Furthermore,once the grant was awarded by the State,the City Council has taken steps to
move the project along at City Council meetings.A summary of these actions is provided
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ABALONE COVE SHORELINE PARK -STATUS UPDATE TO THE LWCF GRANT
APRIL 2,2013
below:
•Three Saturday public workshops on the Coast Vision Plan were conducted
between June 2006 and November 2007,which included public feedback on
Abalone Cove as it was one of the five key sites studied.
•On May 6,2008,the City Council reviewed an issues matrix prepared in response to
public comments on the Coast Vision Plan.
•On September 8,2008,the City Council adopted the Coast Vision Plan.
•On October 19,2010,the City Council conducted a hearing,received public input
and authorized Staff to file the LWCF grant application.
•October 22,2010,the City conducted a focus group meeting to receive input on the
preliminary conceptual project plan.The focus group was comprised of the
following various community stakeholders:neighbors of Abalone Cove;
representatives of the former PUMP Committee;City Council;Los Serenos de Point
Vicente;PVPLC;Library District;School District;Terranea;Park Rangers;and staff
from the Community Development and Recreation &Parks Departments.
•On November 1,2010,the City filed the LWCF grant application to State Parks.
•On February 21,2012,the City Council received an update report on the LWCF
grant awarded to the City in December 2011 and received a Staff presentation on
the conceptual project plan that was the basis of the grant.Additionally,that same
evening,since the LWCF grant is a reimbursement program and has a match
requirement of 50%,the Council funded the project at a cost of $665,176.
•On December 18,2012,the City Council entered into a Service Agreement with
Melendrez Landscape Architects to provide construction plans,specifications and
cost estimates for the Abalone Cove Shoreline Park Improvement project in an
amount not to exceed $52,500,and authorized staff to spend up to a maximum of
$4,030 (allowance)for possible unforeseen design work,for a total of authorization
of $56,530.
In addition,the public was also made aware of the public benefits resulting from this project
when the City published an article,which included the conceptual project plan,in the City's
Spring 2012 Newsletter (see attachment).The City's Newsletter is delivered to every
household in the City.Moreover,early in 2012,the City created a homepage and listserve
on the City's website exclusive to this project.Information related to this project is posted
on the website.
Staff this evening is providing the Council and the public with a status update on the
development of the final project plan including the focus group's participation,and to
provide an opportunity to review the plan and provide Staff with input,if necessary,prior to
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ABALONE COVE SHORELINE PARK -STATUS UPDATE TO THE LWCF GRANT
APRIL 2,2013
the plan being finalized.
DISCUSSION
Proposed Project
Based on the grant scoring criteria and earlier input received from the focus group,the plan
for the Abalone Cove Shoreline Park Improvement Project proposes to:
•Replace picnic tables and benches;
•Construct shade structures;
•Construct an outdoor classroom and exploration play area;
•Replace trash receptacles;
•Install a drinking fountain;
•Install mutt mitt dispensers;
•Install park benches;
•Improve trailheads and trails;
•Improve picnic areas;
•Replace bluff top fencing;
•Install interpretive signs;
•Improve viewing areas;and,
•Install a Preserve kiosk sign.
These park improvements will significantly improve access and the educational experience
at the park while maintaining the overarching objective of preserving the natural setting of
the site by utilizing a "light touch"with the proposed features.Moreover,these park
improvements are consistent with the General Plan Land Use Map designation of
Recreation-Passive and the Open Space Recreation (OR)zoning designation.
Focus Group
The conceptual project plan in which the grant was awarded needs to be developed into
actual construction plans.Therefore,the focus group has been once again engaged to
assist the City and Melendrez in finalizing the project plan.The focus group has been
asked to provide input on the final design,such as the placement and look of the park
features listed above.Thus far the focus group has had two meetings.At its February 25th
meeting,the focus group received a presentation of the grant criteria and the conceptual
project plan that accompanied the grant application (see attachment).The presentation
also included images of various features that could be incorporated into the final project
design,such as park furniture (benches and picnic tables),trash bins,shade structures,
trailhead features,outdoor classrooms,exploration play area,etc.Following the meeting,
the group visited the site to contextually understand the site conditions as they relate to the
proposed elements and to provide the design team with input so that design schemes
could be developed for the second meeting.
On March 25 th the focus group conducted its second meeting and was presented with three
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ABALONE COVE SHORELINE PARK -STATUS UPDATE TO THE LWCF GRANT
APRIL 2,2013
design schemes (see attachment).In summary,the three design schemes include trails
(some of which are ADA compliant)and viewing nodes that enhance access throughout
the park area and its views of the Pacific Ocean,Portuguese Point,and Catalina Island.
Additionally,the design schemes include an outdoor classroom and exploration play area
that provide educational and recreational opportunities for families.These features are all
required to be included in the final project plan per the grant agreement between the City
and State Parks.After reviewing the three design schemes and weighing in on the pros
and cons for each plan,the focus group members attending the meeting generally
expressed support for Scheme NO.1 with specific design modifications,such as relocating
a view station node,including a staging area for docent led hikes,and reconfiguring some
of the trails to be ADA compliant.Based on the focus group's input (and additional input
obtained at tonight's Council meeting),Melendrez intends to present a final project plan to
the focus group at its upcoming April 29 th meeting prior to preparing the construction bid
plans and documents.
As previously reported,the City's website has been updated throughout the process
described herein to include the presentations given at each of the focus group meetings.
Staff intends to continue updating the website throughout the final design and construction
process.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
LWCF Grant Time Limits
According to the terms of the LWCF grant,this project is required to be completed by June
30,2014 (unless a time extension is granted by State Parks).Due to this deadline,the City
is operating under an aggressive schedule and anticipates having the final design
completed by this summer so that construction bid documents can be completed with
construction commencing soon thereafter.Actual construction is anticipated to take
approximately 5 months and is tentatively scheduled to occur during off-peak season.If all
goes according to schedule without any major delays,the project is expected to be
completed in advance of the grant deadline.
Memorandum of Unrecorded Grant Agreement
The award of the LWCF grant requires the City to execute a Memorandum of Unrecorded
Grant Agreement (MOUGA)that records a notice on the title of the project property stating
that the property has restrictions for future improvements,that the property is to be
maintained and operated for public outdoor recreational purposes as described in the
Section 6(f)(3)map,and that the property cannot be sold or transferred without written
approval from the State of California.Any future contemplated improvements or
modifications are subject to approval by the State of California.This restriction encumbers
the entire property including the portions within the City's Palos Verdes Nature Preserve
(which also includes deed restrictions for conservation purposes).
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ABALONE COVE SHORELINE PARK -STATUS UPDATE TO THE LWCF GRANT
APRIL 2,2013
CONCLUSION
Based on the aforementioned discussion,Staff recommends that the City Council receive
and file the status update report on the finalization of the project plans for the Abalone
Cove Shoreline Park Improvement Project.
ATTACHMENTS
•LWCF Conceptual Project Plan
•Focus Group Presentation No.1 (February 25th Meeting)
•Focus Group Presentation No.2 (March 25th Meeting)
•Spring 2012 City Newsletter
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LWCF Conceptual Project Plan
Abalone Cove Shoreline Park
Improvement Project
April 2,2013
City Council Meeting
2-6
2-7
Focus Group Presentation No.1
February 25,2013
Abalone Cove Shoreline Park
Improvement Project
April 2,2013
City Council Meeting
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Schematic Design:
Focus Group Meeting #1 -Feb.25,2013
Introduce Design Team
Refresh Focus Group on Design
Review Materials Palette
Focus Group Meeting #2 -March 25,2013
Design Team to Present Schematic Design and Alternatives
Question and Answer Period
Update to City Council-April 16,2013 (tentative)
Focus Group Meeting #3 -April 29,2013
Revisit Schematic Design if Necessary
Discussion of Next Steps
Design Development:
Anticipated to be completed at end of May 2013
(with presentation to Focus Group)
Construction Documentation:
Completed by ~ugust 15,2013
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6
Focus Group Presentation No.2
March 25,2013
Abalone Cove Shoreline Park
Improvement Project
April 2,2013
City Council Meeting
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Concept #1 THE EXPLORATION SPINE
Viewing st~~;~~'~ode
Outdoor Classroom with Shade Structure....
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Trail Head with Small Overlook and Stairs
-~········...The Picnic Node
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Concept #2 TRANSECT:HUMAN TO NATURE
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Large Gathering Node with
Viewing Stations
Exploration Play Area with Outdoor
Classroom and Shade Structure Multiple Park Entries
,...-".....::::.::::::::""~
LEARN
GATHER
Concept #3 EXPLORE
~earr
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PET WISTE STAnON SHAOE STRUCTURE NAllVE COASTAL SHRUBS INIERPREnVE nOE POeL OUTDOOR CLASSROOM AI ONG APATH ENVIRONMENT
Site Furniture Plantmg Gatherin Learning
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Spring 2012 City Newsletter
Abalone Cove Shoreline Park
Improvement Project
April 2,2013
City Council Meeting
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SPRING 2012
RANCHO PALOS VERDES
TWO PUBLIC OUTDOOR RECREATION PROJECTS COMING YOUR WAY
Over the past several months,the
City has been the recipient of two
significant grants to fund two major
improvement projects that support
outdoor recreation along the City'S
coastline for the pUblic's er)joyment.
These projects involve improving the
grounds and amenities at Abalone
Cove Shoreline Park and completing
the City's segment of the California
Coastal Trail.
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The .Land and water Conservation
Fund ILWCFJ program,administered
by the National Park Service,
provides funds to all 50 states for
developing outdoor recreation areas
and facilities,Under the provisions
of the California Outdoor Recreation
Resources Plan Act of 1967,the
expenditure of these funds to
California is administered by the
California State Parks and Recreation
Department.On November 1,2010,
pursuant to Council authorization,
the City filed a Land and Water
Conservation Fund ILWCFI grant
application with the California State
Parks and Recreation Department
for public improvements at Abalone
Cove Shoreline Park estimated to
cost $665,176,The LWCF grant Is a
reimbursement program and has
a match requirement of 50%,thus
the grant reimburses the City for
50%of the project cost.On
December 7,2011,State Parks
notified the City that it is the
recipient of the LWCF grant,in
the amount of $332,588,for
the Abalone Cove Shoreline Park
Improvement Project,
The Abalone Cove Shoreline Park
Improvement Project derives from
the Council adopted Coast Vision
Plan Nision Plan)and public input
HIDDEN GEMS IN YOUR BACKYARD:
THE MIRALESTE RECREATION AND
PARKS DISTRICT
Most Rancho Palos Verdes residents
are familiar with the City's parks,
such as Hesse Park and the Point
Vicente Interpretive Center,and our
many miles of public trails,such as
the ones found In the Portuguese
Bend Nature Preserve or along the
coast at Ocean Front Estates and
Trump Natlonal Golf Course.
However,are you familiar with Frog
Pond Park.Miltenberger Park or the
Siena Loop Trail?Although each one
Is located within the City of Rancho
Palos Verdes,the last three,and
several others besides,are ownea
and maintained by the Miraleste
Recreation and Parks District,which
Is an independent special district.
The District is governed by a five
member board of directors and was
formed In 1940,long before the City
was Incorporated,when the Palos
Verdes Homes Association deeded
60 acres to the District for park and
recreational purposes.Much of the
60 acres consists of the canyons
running behind the homes in the
Miraleste area of the City and other
acijacent hilly terrain,The goal of
the District is to beautify and
Improve the Miraleste community
and provide park and recreational
opportunities by maintaining
Miraleste parks,hiking trails,and
open spaces;planting trees and
shrubs;removing fire hazards
and some non-native species;and
helping to maintain the landscaping
and mature trees which make the
area both beautiful and unique,
The District has done a wonderful
job of turning much of the 60 acres
of challenging terrain into park and
recreational opportunities.In 2002,
the District acquired a $220,000
grant through the California
Department of Parks and Recreation
which enabled it to develop trails
within the canyons that run
throughout the area.Below is a
continued on page 3
from a focus group comprised of
community stakeholders.The
Improvements at Abalone Cove
Shoreline Park propose to:
•Replace picnic tables and
park benches;
•Construct shade structures;
•Replace trash receptacles;
•Install a drinking fountain;
•Install mutt mitt dispensers;
•Improve trallheads and all
trails/paths;
•Replace bluff top fencing;
•Install interpretive signs;
•Construct viewing areas;
•Provide public art nodes;
•Install landscaping and
irrigation;
•Create an exploration play
area;and,
•Install a Preserve kiosk sign.
contlnued on page 2
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conceptual plans,can be found
on the City'S website for each of
these two projects.Furthermore,
join the listserve to receive
electronic updates on the progress
of both projects.
proposed California Coastal
Trail Route
PET VACCINATION,MICROCHIP
AND LICENSING CLINIC
•Construction of an unpaved
parking lot to accommodate
15·20 cars at the Gateway Park
area adjacent to Palos Verdes
Drive South in the Portuguese
Bend landslide area.
Wednesday,May 23,2012 6:00 p.m.-7:30 p.m.
Fred Hesse Jr.Community Park
29301 Hawthorne BlVd.,Rancho Palos Verdes
The City is proud to co-host this annual
event with the Los Angeles County
Animal Care &Control Department.
Please be sure to have your dog on a
leash or your cat in a secure carrier,
and be prepared to clean up after your
pet.licensing for cats Is voluntary.
Rabies vacdnatlons f-or cats will be available at the Clinic,Credit cards will
not be accepted,so please bring either two checks or cash.
Pet owners may renew or apply for a new dog license via the internet
at anytime by visiting the County Animal Care &Control website at
http://animalcare.lacounty.gov.For more information about the Pet
Clinic,please call Los Angeles County Animal Care &Control Department
at (562)728·4706 or RPV City Hall at 13101 544-5268,View the City'S
website at www.paiosverdes.com/rpvfor more details.
The completion of the City's
segment of the CCT will provide
the public with a continuous coastal
trail that is as close to the ocean as
possible,creating connections to
the City's beaches,parks,and
preserve areas.When completed,
the coastal trail will foster the
public's appreciation and stewardship
of the scenic and natural resources
of the coast while promoting
outdoor recreation.
the two agencies have coordinated
monthly Saturday pet adoptions at
Hesse Park,providing a place where
people may come and view the
pets available for adoption and inter-
act with them in a safe and relaxed
setting,If you or someone you
know if looking for a forever friend
of the Furry variety,check
out the monthly pet adoption dates
and details on the City's website
at www.palosverdes.com/rpv.or
view the homeless animals
available at the Harbor Shelter
by visiting their website at www.laan-
imalservices.com,
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SPRING 2012
RPV PARTNERS FOR PETS
In 2009,the City
of Los Angeles'
Harbor Animal
Care Center
contacted the
City about
providing a
venue for pet
adoptions.After
some discussion.
the upper
picnic area at
Hesse Park was
chosen as a
possible site.The first pet adoption
event was held in October 2009 and
deemed a success!Since that time,
PUBLIC RECREA TION continued from page 1
These park improvements will Peninsula Land Conservancy,
significantly enhance the public's submitted a grant application to
experience at the park,while the State Coastal Conservancy for
improving access and the completing the City's segment of
educational experience.the CCT.On October 21,2010,the
State Coastal Conservancy 80ard
awarded the City $500,000 for
completing the City's segment of the
CCT with a City match of $60.000.
The route of the City's segment of
the CCT is primarily along Palos
Verdes Drive West and South with
portions of the trail traversing the
Palos Verdes Nature Preserve,
Terranea Resort and Spa.and Trump
National Golf Course.While some
of the CCT through the City is
completed,a good portion of
the City's segment of the CCT is
unimproved,This grant allows for
completion of the CCT by funding
the following improvements along
the trail route:
•Construction of a decomposed
granite trail in unimproved areas
along the Palos Verdes Drive These two projects are currently in
West and South trail route;the design and development stage.
•Replacement of the asphalt blUff Construction of the CaliFornia
top trail at Lower Point Vicente Coastal Trail improvements are
with a decomposed granite trail;anticipated to begin in late summer
•Installation of trail markers and 2012,while the improvements forAbaloneCoveShorelineParkare
interpretive signs;likely to begin mid-2013 after
•Installation of viewing nodes further collaboration with the focus
with benches and trash bins;and,group.Information,including the
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Enacted in 1976,the State Coastal
Conservancy Act calls for the
CaliFornia Coastal Conservancy
to have a principal role in the
implementation of a public trail
system along the state's coastline,
known as the CaliFornia Coastal
Trail ICCTI.The Coastai Conservancy.
pursues this mandate in part by
awarding grants to public agencies.
Once completed,the CCT will extend
approximately 1,200 miles from the
Oregon to Mexico boundary lines,
including a segment through the
City of Rancho Palos Verdes.
In the City of Rancho Palos Verdes,
the CCT extends the entire length
of the City's 7.5 mile coastline
between the boundary lines of the
City of Palos Verdes Estates and
the City of Los Angeles.In an
effort to enhance public trails and
recreational opportunities at a
minimal cost to the City,the City,
in partnership with the Palos Verdes
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