Council approves $4.5M in grants to convert vacant lot into park with skate/basketball elements

The Santa Ana City Council on March 18 approved a multi-source funding package and project actions to turn a vacant lot on Bristol Street near Tolliver into a neighborhood park with a skate area, basketball court, senior seating and a stormwater reuse system.

Councilmember Vasquez, who requested the item, described the project as the first phase of a larger neighborhood park planned for the site. Staff said the estimated total construction delivery cost is $4.5 million and that the mix of grants includes state and federal sources such as an Urban Greening Grant from the California Natural Resources Agency and federal clean-water/enterprise funds.

The council voted 6–0 (with one recorded absence) to approve five recommended actions, including acceptance of the grants, CEQA findings, and authorization to proceed with design and construction. Councilmembers praised neighborhood advocates who pushed for park space on a site lacking green areas and asked staff to keep residents informed during construction.

In the presentation staff described design features including turf, a bioretention basin under the turf to capture stormwater for reuse, skate features along one edge and amenities for seniors. Construction outreach will include notifying nearby neighborhood associations and schools about the schedule and impacts prior to construction.