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Fortuna weighs grant applications for Riverwalk, Newberg parks; council cautious about committing local matching funds
Summary
City staff outlined two Land and Water Conservation Fund grant applications for Riverwalk Park and the Newberg Park expansion. The projects carry multi-million-dollar price tags and a 50% local match requirement; council favored Newberg Park in principle but raised concerns about depleting reserves and ongoing maintenance costs.
City staff told the Fortuna City Council on July 21 that the city is preparing three applications to the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund, including development work at Riverwalk Park and a major expansion of Newberg Park, but warned the city lacks the full local match the grants require.
City Manager staff said the Riverwalk Park phase shown in the staff presentation would cost roughly $3.5 million with a 50% match requirement (about $1.9 million). The Newberg Park expansion is the larger project, with a total estimated cost of about $14.88 million and a required city match of roughly $7.4 million. Staff said the Land and Water Conservation Fund maximum award is $6 million and there is a 50% match requirement.
Staff presented potential match sources that, when combined, total roughly $2.5 million: an unreserved general-fund balance of about $266,000, unreserved Measure E funds of about $900,000, possible salary savings of $300,000–$500,000 pending year-end accounting, and Measure E funds set aside for Newberg Park acquisition and improvements of about $850,000. Those amounts fall well short of the full $7.4 million match needed for Newberg Park’s full scope.
Council discussion: Several council members said Newberg Park could serve more regular users and potentially host tournaments that bring visitors and revenue. At the same time, members and the police chief cautioned that the city is facing staffing and payroll shortfalls and that adding park acreage would likely require additional parks staff and operating funds. The council requested the city manager continue pursuing outside partners (including the McLean Foundation and Bear River, which staff had contacted) and other grants rather than committing to fully fund Newberg Park from current reserves.
Deadline and next steps: Staff said the Land and Water Conservation Fund application deadline is Aug. 5. The city manager asked for council direction on which park to prioritize; council members expressed preference for Newberg Park but emphasized they do not want to deplete reserves needed for payroll, vehicle maintenance and other operational needs. Staff will continue to pursue partnership funding and bring back more detailed options and phasing scenarios for council review.
Budget and operations: Council members and the police chief raised concerns about the city’s ability to add staff for maintenance and operations if the projects proceed. Staff acknowledged that adding two parks positions would be difficult with the current budget and that any grant acceptance would need to consider long-term operating costs and potential revenue from field rentals or events.
