To: Board of Supervisors
From: John Kopchik, Director, Conservation and Development
Report Title: Memorandum of Understanding with Knightsen Elementary School District for expanded playground improvements at Old River Elementary School.
☒Recommendation of the County Administrator ☐ Recommendation of Board Committee
RECOMMENDATIONS:
APPROVE and AUTHORIZE the Conservation and Development Director, or designee, to execute a memorandum of understanding with Knightsen Elementary School District to contribute $110,100 of County Park Dedication fee funds for new play structures at Old River Elementary School for the period June 23, 2026 through December 31, 2026. (100% Park Fees)
FISCAL IMPACT:
100% Park Dedication Fees
BACKGROUND:
Project Description
The park fees are being requested to help fund the installation of a new community playground climbing apparatus and installation of an ADA ramp and new playground surfacing at Old River Elementary School in the unincorporated community of Knightsen. The tasks associated with the improvements include:
• Remove existing turf
• Purchase and install new playground climbing structures
• Install 10’ x 4’ walkway and concrete curbs
• Install ADA Ramp
• Install wood fiber surfacing
The total project will cost an estimated $110,100.
Park Fund Background
The County imposes fees on residential development to fund park and recreational facilities under both the County’s Park Dedication Ordinance and the County’s Park Impact Fee Ordinance.
Park Dedication Fees are assessed on projects requiring approval of a subdivision or development plan and can be used to develop new or rehabilitate existing parks or recreational facilities.
Park Impact Fees are assessed on residential development and can be used to fund the expansion or acquisition of new facilities, infrastructure, and equipment. Park Impact Fees must be spent on parks identified in the Park Capital Improvement Plan.
Both funds must be spent on facilities that serve the residents where the fee originates. Funds from these fees are deposited into accounts associated with the community where the residential development occurs to ensure the funds are directed to park and recreational facilities which serve the residents affected by the development.
The following table outlines the Knightsen park fund accounts, the amounts associated with the Old River Elementary School playground project, and the remaining funds in the accounts.
|
Account Number |
Current Balance |
Old River Element School Allocation |
Remaining Balance |
|
PD2000027 - Knightsen Park Dedication |
$112,885.13 |
$110,100 |
$ 2,885.13 |
|
PI2000027 - Knightsen Park Impact |
$107,159.39 |
$ - |
$107,159.39 |
|
Total |
$220,044.52 |
$110,100 |
$110,044.52 |
Use of the park fees identified are reasonably related to proposed improvements at Old River Elementary School playground and are consistent with government code section 66001(a)(3)-(4), because the proposed park improvements will serve the Knightsen community, the community from which the proposed expenditures were collected.
Applicable General Plan Goal and Policies
The overarching goal for parks in the Public Facilities and Services Element of the County’s General Plan is to create and maintain an easily accessible, integrated system of high-quality parks and trails to meet the needs of all residents (Goal PFS-8).
The Old River Elementary Play Structure project helps to implement this goal through the following General Plan policies:
• Support development of a variety of local amenities that meet a diverse range of recreational needs, such as ballfields, all abilities playgrounds, tot lots, spraygrounds, adult fitness courses, gymnasiums, swimming pools, sport courts, passive parks, pocket parks, urban gardens, and trails. (PFS-P8.1)
• Support expanded access to recreation opportunities by working with other agencies to co-locate parks and trails with public facilities, such as schools and utility easements, prioritizing Impacted Communities. (PFS-P8.6)
Parks Capital Improvement Plan Consistency
Old River Elementary School Play Structure project is consistent with the County’s Parks Capital Improvement Plan supporting the Knightsen community.
California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)
Knightsen Elementary School District filed a Notice of Exemption on June 4, 2026. The project is example as exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) per the following:
• Class 3, Section 15303: Categorial exemption due to small scale construction, installation, and conversion that are deemed to have no significant impacts.
• Class 14, Section 15314: Categorial Exemption for minor additions to existing schools within existing school ground with strict limits on student capacity increases.
CONSEQUENCE OF NEGATIVE ACTION:
If the funds are not authorized, it is likely the School District will not be able to complete the project.