Board Sets Aside Funds to Aid Parks, Local Groups

The Board of Supervisors will continue its practice of allocating funds for community groups and city park improvements despite objections from Supervisor Jim Silva.

The board has set aside more than $1 million this year for Urban Park Grants, which supervisors give to projects and organizations in their districts. Previous grants have gone to the Boys and Girls Club of Orange County and youth after-school programs, as well as to cities for park expansions and restoration of historical buildings.

Most supervisors support the grant program, saying it enables them to make small contributions that significantly boost youth services and recreational facilities.

But Silva said he is opposed to giving county funds to outside agencies and groups while the county is still recovering from its 18-month bankruptcy.

Silva said he personally supports the work of the recipients but added: “Giving this funding to local cities is a luxury the county cannot afford at this time.”

Last week, Silva proposed that the Urban Park Grants be given to the county’s Harbors, Beaches and Parks Department for use in county-owned recreation areas. However, the idea generated little support.

Board Chairman Roger R. Stanton pointed out that many of the county-owned facilities are on the coast or in South County, far away from the residents of his district, which covers Santa Ana, Garden Grove, Westminster and Fountain Valley.

Stanton said the Urban Park Grants program allows him to direct funds to recreational facilities used by his residents.