Bond Money Will Mean $330,000 for City Projects

Although the money will not be seen until next year, Nancy Beard, director of the Seal Beach Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department, is thrilled that the city will receive $330,000 as a result of Proposition 12, passed by voters March 7. The money from the parks and open space bond will go toward building-improvement projects, she said.

Among the projects are a 36-year-old community pool undergoing a face lift, two community centers and a senior center “bursting at the seams” and a recently acquired clubhouse that will be renovated.

“I’m ecstatic,” Beard said. “This is the largest amount of money this city has received [for] recreation.”

Beard said some projects on hold will go forward thanks to the bond money. It was unclear how it will be divided.

The money, which Beard hopes to receive by fall 2001, will also supplement the funds raised in the city for recreation and other projects.

“This town is incredible when it comes to fund-raising,” she said. The $200,000 needed for reviving the community pool at J.H. McGaugh Elementary was almost entirely funded by public donations, she said.

The department’s needs include upgrading playground equipment at parks to meet the standards of the Americans With Disabilities Act. The renovation of the clubhouse on Bixby Ranch Co. property that will serve as another community center is projected to cost $1 million. Beard said the bond money could be used to finish the center ahead of schedule.

Because of the growing popularity of the community centers for banquets and special occasions, Beard said there are plans for a second level at the Marina Center.

“That virtually would give us a whole new community center,” Beard said.

Alex Murashko can be reached at (714) 966-5974