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C. 72

To:	Board of Supervisors
From:	John Kopchik, Director, Conservation & Development Department
Date:	October 17, 2017

Contra

Costa

County

Subject:

Park Dedication Funds for Mira Vista Gardens Education Center

APPROVE	OTHER
RECOMMENDATION OF CNTY ADMINISTRATOR	RECOMMENDATION OF BOARD COMMITTEE

Action of Board On: 10/17/2017

APPROVED AS RECOMMENDED

OTHER

Clerks Notes:

VOTE OF SUPERVISORS

AYE:

John Gioia, District I Supervisor
Candace Andersen, District II Supervisor
Diane Burgis, District III Supervisor
Karen Mitchoff, District IV Supervisor
Federal D. Glover, District V Supervisor

Contact:

Kristine Solseng (925) 674-7809

I hereby certify that this is a true and correct copy of an action taken and entered on the minutes of the Board of Supervisors on the date shown.
ATTESTED: October 17, 2017
David Twa,

BY:	, Deputy

RECOMMENDATION(S):

AUTHORIZE the Auditor-Controller to issue a warrant in the amount of $20,000 to Earth Island Institute from Park Dedication Trust Account 8136 2757 03620 to help expand the current Urban Garden and the development of the Mira Vista Garden Education Center at Mira Vista Elementary School. The project is located at 6397 Hazel Avenue in unincorporated East Richmond Heights.

FISCAL IMPACT:

No impact on the General Fund, 100% Park Dedication Fund, Account 8136 2757 03620.

BACKGROUND:

Earth Island Institute, as fiscal agent for West County DIGS, is requesting $20,000 of Park Dedication Funds to help develop and rehabilitate the Urban Garden and develop a Garden Education Center at Mira Vista Elementary school. The proposed improvements include a new greenhouse, planter boxes, fencing, and a food preparation area.

BACKGROUND: (CONT'D)

West County DIGS is a coalition of teachers and community leaders who support school gardens in West Contra Costa County by providing resources, advocacy, and building partnerships. West County DIGS supports gardens in over 25 schools, offers training and coaching to over 200 teachers, grows thousands of plants, and shares an innovative curriculum that incorporates math, science, vocabulary, and art through outdoor oriented activities. West County DIGS and Earth Island Institute are seeking funding to develop a Garden Education Center at Mira Vista Elementary. The Garden Education Center will serve as a resource to over 500 students, their families, district educators, and members of the neighboring community. Additionally, over 20 schools will visit the garden and greenhouse for professional development and to get plant starts for their own school gardens.

The Mira Vista Garden Education Center is possible through an active community effort. The Garden Center has received financial support estimated at $60,000 from Kaiser Permanente, Whole Kids, and West Contra Costa Unified School District Local Control funds. Additionally, the project has received donations and volunteers from the Master Gardeners, Common Vision, American Soil, tree service companies, and many individuals.

It is policy of the County to utilize County park dedication funds to meet local and regional park needs. The Mira Vista Garden Education Center is a school park and is also available to the unincorporated East Richmond Heights community members. The funds proposed to be used were generated from Quimby Act fees associated with development in the unincorporated area of East Richmond Heights.

CONSEQUENCE OF NEGATIVE ACTION:

If the funding is not approved, the Mira Vista Garden Education Project may not have the funds required to complete the project.

CHILDREN'S IMPACT STATEMENT:

The proposed improvements to the Mira Vista Garden Education Center supports the following community outcomes established in the Children’s Report Card: Communities that are safe and provide a high quality of life for children and their families.