Grover Beach Receives $3.3 Million Grant for Ramona Garden Park Improvements

The City of Grover Beach is pleased to announce that it has been awarded a $3.3 million Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) to fund Phases 1 and 2 of the Ramona Garden Park Rehabilitation Project.

The funding, awarded by the California Department of Housing and Community Development, will enable the City to make significant improvements to the park as envisioned in the Ramona Garden Park Master Plan. These include the construction of a new playground, amphitheater stage, restrooms and more.

"We are thrilled to receive this CDBG grant," said Grover Beach Mayor Karen Bright. "This essential funding will help us achieve the vision set forth by the community in the Ramona Garden Park Master Plan. The resulting improvements will be transformative, benefiting residents and visitors for years to come."

Guided by the Master Plan adopted by Council in 2020, the Ramona Garden Park Rehabilitation Project is a series of planned improvements to revitalize the park in phases. The project aims to create a more inviting, functional and inclusive space for the community. Phases 1 and 2 of the project, which will be 90% funded by the CDBG grant, include the following components:

• All-abilities playground
• Amphitheatre stage and bandshell
• Event lawn
• Restrooms
• Walkways, benches and picnic tables

At its Aug. 26 meeting, the Grover Beach City Council received and filed a report on the grant award and the next steps for the project. Construction is anticipated to start in Spring 2025 and last 6-9 months. With an estimated construction cost of $3.7 million, the City intends to utilize General Fund reserves to bridge the funding gap for the project.

In the coming months, City staff will partner with a local nonprofit to launch a "Community Giving" campaign that will allow the public to help support the project in addition to the grant funding. This effort will kick off later this calendar year and will include pavers with donor names installed in the walkways around the playground and naming plaques on benches, tables, bike racks and the park bandshell.

"Securing this CDBG grant is a tremendous achievement for Grover Beach and a testament to the City's commitment to enhancing community spaces," said Grover Beach City Manager Matthew Bronson. "This project is a key part of our community's vision for the future, and with this funding, we are able to take substantial steps toward realizing that vision. We look forward to seeing the positive impact these improvements will have on our City, making it an even more vibrant place to live, work, and play."

As the City moves forward on Phases 1 and 2 of the project, additional funding is needed to complete the remaining phases. Later phases include the development of a new main park plaza and pickleball courts. Future investments in Ramona Garden Park will further improve this valued public space and contribute to the community's long-term health and well-being.

Learn more about the Ramona Garden Park Master Plan here.

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