The California Department of Housing and Community Development is giving away a record-breaking $73.6 million to help 109 cities and counties build much needed parks and/or repair existing parks and recreation facilities within their community, including $443,100 for Turlock.

HCD’s Housing-Related Parks Program uses voter-approved funds from the Housing and Emergency Shelter Trust Fund Act of 2006 to expand and improve the availability of parks and recreation facilities within communities. The largest share of the funding, 71 percent, is allocated to communities that are both disadvantaged and park-deficient.

“Parks are an invaluable resource for both children and adults, especially in communities that work hard to fulfill requirements for affordable housing,” said Randall A. Deems, HCD acting director. “We are especially excited to see the supportive, innovative and environmentally-friendly ways communities plan to use this funding; many are installing ADA compliant sidewalks, ramps and trails. Others are constructing a performing arts stage or replacing natural grass with synthetic turf.”

In applying for the grant, the City of Turlock stated the award would be used to develop a community park on a 4.7 acre parcel on Montana Avenue.

The amount each chosen community is awarded is based on the number of new affordable housing units the city or county has permitted as well as affordable units preserved, rehabilitated and/or acquired since 2010.  Funds are based on a per bedroom basis of low and low income housing units.

The completion of the Avena Bella project, as well as a four unit rehabilitation project on Alpha Road made Turlock eligible for a grant around $440,000.

The HCD funds have to be spent by June 30, 2016.