Committee approves sending two retroactive state park grants for Merced Heights and India Basin to the Board

The Budget & Finance Committee moved two Recreation and Parks items to the Board on Jan. 22: retroactive authorization to accept and expand a California Department of Parks and Recreation local assistance grant for Merced Heights Park (amended grant amount $1,329,000) and retroactive authorization to accept a $4,000,000 grant from the State Controller’s Office for remediation and park development at 900 Ennis (India Basin).

Tony Moran (Recreation & Park Capital Division) said the Merced Heights grant was appropriated in the state budget at Assemblymember Phil Ting’s request and that the state later adjusted the appropriation to allow recovery of grant administration costs, producing the amended figure. The Merced Heights scope was described to include a senior area and a dog play area and to improve senior access to lower-level entrances.

Supervisor Walton framed the India Basin grant as remediation and park development to connect underperforming park spaces, support remediation and job training for local youth and adults, and advance environmental justice. Moran said the city had accepted the funds but had not expended them and requested retroactive Board authorization so planning could proceed.

Multiple community speakers, including Jackie Flynn of the A. Philip Randolph Institute and local residents, expressed support and emphasized equity, community participation and job opportunities. Both items were forwarded to the Board with positive recommendations without objection.