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CC - CONSENT ITEM: Authorization for the City to Apply for a Grant Opportunity through Lowe’s Companies, Inc. for Up to $300,000 to Install a Community Garden at Veteran’s Memorial Park.
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Meeting Date: April 27, 2026
Contact Person/Dept: Adam Ferguson/ PRCS
Phone Number: (310) 253-6685
Fiscal Impact: Yes [X] No [] General Fund: Yes [] No [X]
Attachments: Yes [] No [X]
Public Notification: (E-Mail) Meetings and Agendas - City Council (04/23/2026)
Department Approval: Adam Ferguson, PRCS Deputy Director (04/07/2026)
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RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends the City Council authorize the City to apply for a grant opportunity through Lowe’s Companies, Inc. for up to $300,000 to install a Community Garden at Veteran’s Memorial Park.
BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION
Lowe’s Companies, Inc., is one of the largest home improvement retailers in the world, operating over 1,700 home improvement stores and employing approximately 300,000 associates. In 2025, Lowe’s reaffirmed its commitment to communities nationwide with a bold goal - delivering 10 million square feet of impact. This measurable promise reflects Lowe’s’ continued dedication to rebuilding and revitalizing the communities they serve.
Through its Community Bucket List Program, Lowe’s is inviting customers and associates to share community improvement project ideas inspired by the needs and potential of their hometowns. The initiative is part of Lowe’s five-year, $100 million commitment to renovating and restoring spaces that serve as hubs and heartbeats of the communities, including food pantries, parks, community centers, gardens, safe and affordable housing, first responder facilities and programs serving veterans. Lowe’s will award up to 100 Community Impact Grants to support large-scale renovation projects that make a lasting difference across the country. Some community garden projects that Lowe’s has funded across California in past years include:
• Community garden at Faith Manor and Tennyson Garden Apartments in Hayward, CA;
• Growing Roots Garden in Pomona, CA; and
• Outdoor play area which includes a community garden for the Boys & Girls Clubs in Fresno, CA.
Other projects that Lowe’s has funded in Southern California include:
• Seismic retrofit of Humane Society’s 1930s Wildlife Department building in Pasadena, CA;
• Repairs to My Friend’s Place shelter facility helping homeless youth in Los Angeles, CA;
• Creation of an outdoor community space for Kid City in Los Angeles, CA; and
• Elementary school large scale mural and shade structure project in Los Angeles, CA.
The Culver City Community Garden (Garden) was established to provide a place for active participation in gardening for residents of Culver City who would otherwise not have the opportunity, and the earliest photographs of the Garden date back to 1975. On January 24, 2022, the City Council adopted Ordinance Number 2022-001, approving a Comprehensive Plan Amendment, P2021-0174-CPA, subject to conditions of approval and code requirements, to allow the construction of a 3-story community center on the site of the former Garden, which was located at 10860 Culver Boulevard. Since the Garden closed to allow for construction to begin, Culver City has not had a community garden. If awarded, staff plans to build a new community garden at the intersection of Overland Boulevard and Barman Avenue along the south side of the Culver City Plunge.
FISCAL ANALYSIS
The cost of the Community Garden falls within a range of $250,000 - $300,000. The subject grant for the Community Garden can cover the project in its entirety.
ATTACHMENTS
None.
Recommended Action
MOTIONS
That the City Council:
1. Authorize the City to apply for a grant opportunity through Lowe’s Companies, Inc. for up to $300,000 to install a Community Garden at Veteran’s Memorial Park;
2. Authorize the City Attorney to review/prepare the necessary documents; and
3. Authorize the City Manager to execute such documents on behalf of the City.