Long Beach Seeks $3 Million State Grant to Close Funding Gap on El Dorado Park Duck Pond Repairs

Long Beach is turning to the state for another $3 million to help pay for repairs to the duck pond in El Dorado Park, a project that is paused for now to protect nesting wildlife.

The City Council is scheduled to consider a grant application on Tuesday, April 12, to the state Land and Water Conservation Fund Program. The state distributes federal conservation money to projects that are ready for construction and that improve an existing park, with attention to the wellbeing of seniors and people with disabilities.

The large pond sits just off Studebaker Road near El Dorado Park Golf Course and has been a maintenance problem for years. Officials said water quality varies because aerator fountains and irrigation pumps often fail, and because ducks and other migratory birds leave waste in the water. Some visitors also fish there illegally despite several "no fishing" signs, leaving behind line, hooks and trash. The pond also leaks.

To qualify for the grant, Long Beach would need to provide a 50% match. City officials plan to cover that with Measure A and Measure W money, more than $1 million from the Water Department and smaller amounts from other sources. The city has time to assemble the funds.

Work is currently on what Brent Dennis, director of the Parks, Recreation and Marine Department, called "hiatus mode" because of nesting season and other possible disruptions to local wildlife. The state Department of Wildlife defines nesting season as Feb. 1 to Aug. 15, though city tree trimming and other policies extend it to the end of September.

Planning for a restoration began some time before the coronavirus pandemic arrived in March 2020. The Parks, Recreation and Marine, Public Works and Water departments have all been involved, and council members including current Fifth District Councilwoman Stacy Mungo and her predecessor, Gerrie Schipske, have pushed for action.

A year ago, a repair and improvement plan was approved, about $4.6 million was set aside and the project went out to bid, but no contractor responded. Public Works Director Eric Lopez asked contractors why and was told the plan was too complex to complete for less than $5 million to $7 million, plus $2 million for wildlife and biological issues. After the biological work was removed from the contract and handled within Public Works, the city received three construction proposals ranging from $4.9 million to $7.1 million, leaving an estimated $2.7 million shortfall, Lopez said.

In early December, the council approved a contract of no more than $5,486,918 with Los Angeles Engineering Inc. for the main pond work, water lines, sidewalk and landscaping around the pond, and other tasks. The Water Department's role was also approved, including a switch from potable water to recycled water and a connection to the golf course irrigation system.

Even if construction stays on budget, a December staff report put the total project cost at about $9 million. The city has roughly $7 million earmarked, so the state grant could complete the funding. The duck pond remains open to the public until construction begins this fall.