REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Approve the Revised Concept for the Lakewood Park Renovation Project and Find the Action is Exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15262
Report
BACKGROUND
At the October 24, 2023 City Council meeting, staff presented the Lakewood Park Renovation Project Preferred Concept for approval (RTC No. 23-0065.) Among other park improvements, the project included replacing the current natural grass athletic field with an artificial turf field. At the conclusion of the meeting, Council approved Alternative 1 with the following modifications: A) Replace the use of artificial turf with natural grass; B) Consider removing the fencing south of the halfway line of the multipurpose field; C) Explore the installation of Bermuda grass and other drought resistance natural turf options; and D) Include batting cages into the project design.
The change to natural grass will require that the layout of the athletic field be modified to keep as many of the number and types of playing fields originally proposed in the concept plan as possible. Even with a modified layout, cricket would be challenging to fit on the field unless the dirt softball infield were within the cricket field boundaries, which does not appear to be a viable option. Options for new athletic field layouts are also included in this review.
EXISTING POLICY
N/A
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The action being considered is exempt from environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15262, which exempts feasibility or planning studies for possible future actions which the agency, board, or commission has not approved, adopted, or funded does not require the preparation of an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) or Negative Declaration but does require consideration of environmental factors. An environmental review will be performed when this project returns for approval of award o...
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