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SANTIAGO PARK PHASE I CONSTRUCTION group picnic area; biking and hiking trail improvements; and installation of park security lighting. The project also includes the removal of Valencia Street to re-connect the two sides of the park and improve the pedestrian circulation and ADA access into the park. Removal of the asphalt will allow connection of the hiking and biking trails that run through Santiago Park and improved landscaping. Completion of the proposed project will reintegrate portions of Santiago Park, improve the recreational opportunities for community members and visitors, and restore native riparian habitat for wildlife. Site Description:Santiago Park is a 35-acre park adjacent to Santiago Creek in the City of Santa Ana, Orange County. Santiago Creek is a tributary to the Santa Ana River. The park, located one mile from the Santa Ana River Parkway, includes a regional bike trail that connects adjacent cities to the Santa Ana River Trail and Parkway. The park also includes the Santiago Creek Wildlife and Watershed Center,a log cabin, a playground equipment area,two lawn bowling greens,the Lawn Bowling Center, an archery range,tennis courts,a balifield, picnic areas, parking,and restroom facilities. A portion of the park between the Lawn Bowling Greens and the Log Cabin Play Equipment Area is undeveloped. It is this area that will be restored and renovated through the proposed project. Santiago Park is heavily used by residents and visitors that enjoy the passive and active recreational elements in the park. The Santiago Park Nature Reserve which is located within Santiago Park, viewing areas,walking paths and riparian areas along Santiago Creek provide a feature for the public to enjoy bird watching and other wildlife that live in the park. The park includes large oak trees, eucalyptus trees, sycamore trees, poplar trees, and pine trees. Grantee Qualifications:The City of Santa Ana Parks, Recreation and Community Services Agency has received and managed more than 50 million dollars in grant funding to construct new parks and renovate existing parks and recreation facilities. The agency works closely with the City's Public Works Department to ensure that projects are completed in a timely manner and on budget. The City's senior management analyst, administrative services manager,and senior accounting staff monitor project progress and expenditures,and manage project cash flow. Further, the City's competitive contractor selection and bid process ensures that they hire qualified contractors and require performance bonds to ensure that projects are completed on schedule and per plan specifications. Project History:The proposed project area in Santiago Park has been underutilized for years due to the barren and degraded landscaping and dilapidated structures, many of which were built during the Work Projects Administration of the last half of the 1930s and early 1940s. Park areas immediately adjacent to the project area are heavily used and community members approached the City to encourage making improvements to the park a priority so that people can enjoy the park and native habitats in their entirety. Several community meetings were held to obtain input on how to improve this undeveloped portion of the park. As a result of public input, a conceptual plan was developed with a continuation of the native riparian landscape, installation of a natural rustic amphitheater for educational or event usage, preservation of the old gashouse, removal of Valencia Street to Page 3 of 7