Carson accepts county grant to expand Friendship Mini Park; council OKs master agreement

The City Council voted April 1 to accept a Los Angeles County competitive acquisition grant and approve the associated master agreement to expand Friendship Mini Park.

Mike Whitaker, director of community services, told the council the city’s application to the Los Angeles County Regional Park and Open Space District was approved and that the award would allow the park to nearly double in size by adding about a half-acre. Whitaker reported the county award was stated in the staff presentation as approximately $1,430,000; the staff summary further described a grant component of $1,100,000 toward the property acquisition, and the city must execute the master agreement and meet grant conditions to receive funding.

Council members stressed community engagement for the park design. Councilmember Cedric Hicks requested the city involve nearby residents and stakeholders early in programming and maintenance planning; staff said operations and programming could be provided from nearby recreation facilities and that staff would include community input during project development.

Council voted to accept the grant and adopt the associated resolution to appropriate the funds. The motion passed by voice vote; the minutes record the motion as carried.

City staff said the grant acceptance requires the city to comply with the grant’s obligations as described in the master agreement and to allocate the award to the appropriate account for project delivery. Project scoping and public engagement will follow, and staff will return with details and schedule for implementation and construction.