STATE COSTAL CONSERVANCY (STATE OF CALIFORNIA)

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SANTIAGO PARK MAIN STREET CONSTRUCTION 2. Names and qualifications of any contractors to be retained in carrying out the project. 3. A plan for acknowledgement of Conservancy funding. 4. Evidence that all permits and approvals required to implement the project have been obtained. Findings: Based on the accompanying staff recommendation and attached exhibits, the State Coastal Conservancy hereby finds that: 1. T e propose aut orization is consistent with C apter 4.6 o Division 21 o t e Pu is Resources Code, regarding the Santa Ana River Conservancy Program and funding for recreational opportunities and trails. 2. The proposed project is consistent with the current Conservancy Project Selection Criteria. STAFF RECOMMENDATION WhT93I:C4&INkFAl►Yil_I, A Staff recommends the Conservancy authorize a grant of up to $2,807,000 to restore and enhance the 2.66-acre Santiago Park Main Street entrance by constructing site amenities such as lighting, Santiago Creek viewing decks, landscape improvements, and separating the pedestrian walkway and bike trails to allow for safe recreation. This proposed project will enhance and restore the primary entrance to Santiago Park in the City of Santa Ana (the City) in Orange County. The City has completed design and engineering and is ready to proceed immediately with construction of the project upon approval of funding. The proposed project will create a safe and inviting entrance to Santiago Park. It will add site amenities including two creek viewing decks, interpretive signage, picnic tables, benches, a drinking fountain, security lighting, drought tolerant landscaping, and a drip irrigation system. The proposed project will also separate the pedestrian walkway and bike trail and connect these to two viewing decks overlooking Santiago Creek with signage to inform visitors about groundwater, wildlife, and drought tolerant and native landscaping. Implementation of these site improvements address park visitor needs by defining separate pathways for different users, providing public site amenities, reintroducing landscaping that has been lost, and enhancing the overall aesthetic and establishing a defined Santiago Park entrance. The Santiago Park Main Street entrance was once a densely forested, riparian natural area that has drastically declined over the years and is now a remnant asphalt roadway dividing vacant dirt areas. This unmarked roadway is shared by all pedestrians and bicyclists who enter the park, resulting in unsafe conditions. This entrance is often used by children, families and school groups visiting the Discovery Cube Science Center across Main Street, who use the park as a picnic site. The site lacks basic amenities including security lighting, picnic tables, benches, landscaping, and interpretive signage. Much of Santiago Park is programmed with active recreation amenities including sports courts and playgrounds, but this project area will provide visitors with much needed passive recreation opportunities such as picnicking or birdwatching. Page 2 of 6