Coronado is asking residents what they want at Glenn Curtiss Park as the city pursues a state grant of up to $8.5 million. The first of five community planning meetings takes place Saturday, Oct. 24, at the park itself.

The city is gathering resident priorities before applying for funding through the Statewide Park Development and Community Revitalization Program, or SPP, the Coronado Eagle & Journal reported Wednesday, Oct. 21. No park design has been selected, and grant funding is not guaranteed.

Glenn Curtiss Park, formerly known as Palm Park, sits at the corner of I Avenue, Palm Avenue and Third Street. The park has no amenities. According to the city's facility listing, it was renamed to honor Glenn Curtiss, known as "The Father of Naval Aviation," who leased North Island in 1911 to experiment with his newly developed seaplane, according to the Coronado Visitor Center.

The city wants to hear how neighbors use the park, what they enjoy about it and what improvements they believe would benefit the community, according to the Eagle & Journal. Four additional meetings are scheduled through early November for residents who cannot attend the Oct. 24 kickoff.

Residents can also submit ideas online through the city's Comment Coronado page for the project.

Grant details

The SPP grant program, now in its fifth round, is funded by Proposition 4, the 2024 Climate Bond. According to a California State Parks news release, approximately $188.5 million is available statewide. Eligible applicants can request up to $8.5 million per project. Applications are due Dec. 17.

The program funds new parks and improvements to existing parks in underserved and climate-vulnerable communities. Cities, counties, districts, Joint Powers Authorities and nonprofit organizations are eligible to apply.

California State Parks Director Armando Quintero said the investment would improve quality of life for people who rely on local parks for physical, mental and social well-being.

Community input gathered at the five meetings will help the city shape its application. The competitive program means Coronado's proposal will be weighed against projects from across the state.

How to participate

  • Saturday, Oct. 24: First community planning meeting at Glenn Curtiss Park (I Avenue, Palm Avenue and Third Street)
  • Through early November: Four additional meetings; check projectcoronado.org/GlennCurtiss for dates, times and locations
  • Online: Submit ideas anytime at the same Comment Coronado page

The city must submit its grant application by Dec. 17.