Ventura, CA – Today, Congresswoman Julia Brownley announced a $1.6 million grant from the National Park Service (NPS) to the City of Ventura for the construction of the newly proposed Kellogg Park. The funding would cover landscaping, construction of the playground, open space, picnic areas, and fitness equipment.
“I am pleased that the City of Ventura received this funding to help make Kellogg Park a reality,” said Rep. Brownley. “The new park will provide a much-needed community space for Ventura residents on the west-side of the city. It will also encourage recreational activities and exercise that is so important for the public health and vitality of the community.”
“We are extremely pleased that this grant brings us that much closer to our goal of raising $4.3 million dollars to complete the Kellogg Park build. This is another example of the City working together with our partners to secure grant funding and provide space where families and children can play, relax and enjoy nature,” said City of Ventura Mayor Erik Nasarenko.
“Westside Ventura residents have organized for years for more access to open green space and outdoor recreation in their neighborhood to tackle the health disparities impacting this disadvantaged community,” said Maricela Morales, Executive Director of CAUSE. “This major support from the National Park Service is bringing the community’s vision to life.”
The grant comes from the NPS’ Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) which provides matching grants to state and local governments to acquire and develop public outdoor recreation areas and facilities. More information can be found here www.nps.gov/subjects/lwcf/stateside.htm.
Between 1965 and 2014, the LWCF provided over 40,000 grants totaling more than $16.7 billion to acquire recreation lands with 75% of the total funds obligated going to locally sponsored projects that provide close-to-home recreation opportunities that are readily accessible to America’s youth, adults, senior citizens, and the physically or mentally challenged.
Rep. Brownley has co-sponsored H.R. 1814, legislation that would permanently reauthorize the LCWF.
Issues: 114th Congress, Local Issues