OXNARD : City Seeks Extension for State Park Funds

Facing a June 30 deadline to spend $331,000 in 1986 state bond money for a community park or lose the funds, the Oxnard City Council has voted to seek another two-year extension from state park officials.

At the same time, the council authorized its parks and recreation department to seek a similar extension for $368,000 that the city received from a 1988 state park bond issue.

The city had received the state funds to acquire property for a proposed park in the northwest part of the city, but has been unable to reach an agreement with property owners in the area.

Because of budget cutbacks, the council last year had also passed a moratorium to halt the acquisition of any new parks or park maintenance expenses.

Two weeks ago, the council considered shifting the bond funds to an existing park at Oxnard State Beach to pay for a children’s play area and a maintenance yard. In a staff report, Parks and Recreation Director Gary Davis said the improvements would meet the guidelines set by the 1986 Parklands Bond Act.

But several council members insisted that the city should try to retain the funds to help purchase land for a new park, which would fulfill the intent of the 1986 bond act.

After checking with state officials, Davis told the council this week that another extension might be approved. “The good news is that they are amenable to an extension of funds predicated on our sincere efforts for park development or acquisition,” Davis said.