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AGENDA ITEM NO. 5.
CITY OF HAWTHORNE City Council AGENDA BILL For the meeting of 07/08/2025 Originating Department: Public Works |
SUBJECT:
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
DISCUSSION:
On February 14, 1963, President Kennedy's Administration proposed legislation to establish a "Land and Water Conservation Fund" (LWCF) to assist states in planning, acquisition, and development of recreation lands. With bipartisan support, President John signed it into law on September 3, 1964. On August 4, 2020, the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA) was signed into law, authorizing $900 million nationwide annual in permanent funding for LWCF.
The LWCF grants provide funding for the acquisition or development of land to create new outdoor recreation opportunities for the health and wellness of Californians. This grant is a funding opportunity available to local agencies in the State of California and is awarded through a competitive program. The City of Hawthorne is embarking on an ambitious renewal project for the Hawthorne Memorial Park to modernize and expand its facilities in preparation for increased community use and international attention from upcoming global events, including the 2028 Olympic Games and the FIFA World Cup. This transformative effort is focused on improving accessibility, sustainability, and the overall recreational experience for residents and visitors alike.
As part of the LWCF Program application process, the City must obtain authorization from the City Council in the form of a signed resolution. The authorizing resolution certifies the City will abide by the terms and conditions of the grant funds and delegates authority to the Public Works Manager to conduct all negotiations and execute and submit all documents. The City is filing for funding assistance for the proposed Memorial Park Renewal Project and, if awarded, is eligible to receive up to $6 million through the LWCF Program.