City staff: $2.8M Prop 68 parks application accepted for review; $177,000 awarded for Makoni Park; City Hall to reopen April 5

City staff reported March 17 that a $2.8 million parks grant application submitted under Proposition 68 has been accepted by the state for review and that the city has an awarded $177,000 grant to improve Makoni Park.

"The park grant for $2,800,000 was completed and submitted on time. And it was accepted by the state," said Dave Martinez, a city staff member. Martinez emphasized that acceptance means the application entered the state's review process, not that final funding has been approved: "That doesn't mean it's been approved. It just means that the application has been accepted. And that it's under the review process now."

Martinez said the separate $177,000 award, also tied to the Prop 68 effort, will fund landscaping and irrigation at Makoni Park. He added the city will also look at refurbishing the existing football park — replacing irrigation and turf — and that planners may use park funds concurrently with the grant to complete the work. "Those projects will be coming back to the Parks and Recreation Commission for their review and comment at a future date," Martinez said.

Martinez also announced City Hall offices will reopen to the public on Monday, April 5, with temperature screening and hand sanitizer at front counters to reduce COVID-19 risk. He said in‑chamber public meetings will only resume after discussion with county health officials; San Bernardino and Riverside counties remained in the state's red tier at the time, so indoor public gatherings were not yet scheduled.

Commissioner Mesa used her comment period to promote a youth football and cheer event scheduled for March 19 at Desert Trails Park and noted Adelanto Little League is recruiting officials and coaches. "We're accepting still football players and cheerleaders here at the High Desert at Desert Trails Park," Mesa said.

Commissioner Villa asked which application had been accepted; Martinez reiterated the $2.8 million application was accepted for review and that the $177,000 grant has been awarded to Makoni Park. Villa also asked who is organizing stadium events; Martinez said the city contracted with a private event coordinator who handles events at the stadium and shares a portion of revenue with the city.

Staff and commissioners said they would return project plans and details to the Parks and Recreation Commission for further review and public comment.

The Parks and Recreation Commission will see detailed plans for the Makoni Park and football-field work at a future meeting after staff completes design work and contract planning.