Item 10 - Recieve and File the Washington Park Feasibility Study

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City of Santa Ana Washington Square Park Feasibility Study July 2025 consideration and access would be via walking or biking. Traffic Engineering; This project was reviewed with Public Works Traffic Engineering team, to examine the nexus with the citywide "Safe Routes to Schools" (SRTS) and "Safe Routes to Parks" (SRTP) network. Two elementary schools, Hero's Elementary and Wilson Elementary, serve the Washington Square (and adjacent) neighborhood. Planned SRTS routes are recommended along Washington Avenue and Baker Street. Washington is a main route through the mid -section of Washington Square, with pedestrian and bike -able collector streets running perpendicular to it, in a north -south direction. Also, from a traffic engineering perspective, no traffic impacts are anticipated as the potential park will not include parking due to the recommendation for a neighborhood park classification. Along with that, WSNA currently employs a parking permit program. National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES); Park Planning also consulted with the Public Works "National Pollution Discharge Elimination System" (NPDES) Division, who oversee stormwater management operations citywide. Based on stormwater infiltration guiding documents, infiltration at 17t" & Flower appears to be feasible. A site -specific geotech report and percolation testing will need to be conducted to confirm. Whether a major storm water capture facility is appropriate for consideration at this site or at minimum, infiltration via swales and raingardens, will be examined further should the project advance to the design development phase. Grant Funding Park acquisition and development projects provide for a strong application and is a judicious mechanism to leverage local (city) funds to help advance the Park Master Plan and its number one Initiative to acquire and develop parkland to create an integrated park and open space system that meets the needs of our community. The State of California Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP) priorities for local agency competitive grant programs are: 1. New Park Access a. Create or expand parks in communities that lack sufficient park space. Create new parks within a half mile of underserved communities, or expand existing parks to increase the ratio of park acreage per resident in underserved areas. This may include innovative solutions such as acquiring private land from willing sellers such as vacant lots and blighted buildings, converting streets to create or expand parks, or converting closed schools. b. Acquire private land from willing sellers in natural areas to expand regional parks, or create new open space areas for outdoor recreation while preserving nature. 2. Multi -Use Parks Designed for All Age Groups in New or Existing Parks a. Construct recreation features designed to bring families together by supporting art and music, sports, and multi -generational activities. b. Construct recreation features for all age groups to support different active and passive recreation interests of all ages. c. Incorporate project design ideas from all age groups. 3. Health Design Goals for New or Existing Parks a. Include recreation features resulting from asking community members for their park design ideas for public health. 4. Safety and Beautification for New or Existing Parks a. Construct lighting for night-time use, or restrooms, landscaping, signs, or other enhancements to make the park appear welcoming and support longer hours of use. 5. Preservation a. Through the LWCF, place outdoor open space land under new LWCF protection for public recreation. Page 13