HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-11-23 - AGENDA REPORTS - LACO REQUEST FOR WM S HART PARKO
Agenda Item: 9
1. CITY OF SANTA CLARITA
AGENDA REPORT
NEW BUSINESS
CITY MANAGER APPROVAL: AI1 A11�44_1)
DATE: November 23, 2021
SUBJECT: LETTER REQUESTING THE COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES TO
CONSIDER TRANSFERRING OWNERSHIP OF WILLIAM S. HART
REGIONAL PARK
DEPARTMENT: City Manager's Office
PRESENTER: Kenneth W. Striplin
RECOMMENDED ACTION
City Council discuss and direct staff to send a letter to Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn
Barger requesting that both parties begin formal discussions regarding the transfer of ownership
and operations of William S. Hart Regional Park to the City of Santa Clarita.
BACKGROUND
The William S. Hart Regional Park (Hart Park) is an approximately 160-acre park that is owned
and operated by the County of Los Angeles (County) but located in the City of Santa Clarita
(City). The property on which Hart Park is located belonged to silent film star William S. Hart,
who left the bulk of his estate to the County upon his death in 1946, with the stipulation that his
home and ranch property be used as a museum and public park. Hart Park is home to the William
S. Hart Museum, historic Heritage Junction, many native plants and animals, and a herd of
American Bison. Amenities at Hart Park include hiking and nature trails, a large picnic area, and
buildings that had been used by William S. Hart personally. The former Senior Center on Market
Street is also located on Hart Park property.
The City has had a long-standing vision of the Old Town Newhall Arts and Entertainment
District, and has put significant resources into creating an area that attracts residents and tourists
to this historic part of the community. The City has made numerous investments in Newhall to
support that vision, including the creation of Veterans Historical Plaza, the construction of the
Newhall Library, operation of The MAIN, construction of the parking structure, enhancement of
the historic downtown via street and sidewalk improvements, and the implementation of
SENSES, Light Up Main, and other events. Additionally, the City's Historic Preservation Grant
program has supported a number of projects designed to maintain the integrity of multiple
historic structures at Heritage Junction at Hart Park. Hart Park has also served as the home for
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the City's annual Cowboy Festival for the last three years, which is a large attraction in Newhall.
In addition to its location close to many City facilities and amenities, Hart Park serves as a point
of connection with many of the programs and activities that the City provides. A large portion of
Hart Park is also located within the boundaries of the Old Town Newhall Specific Plan.
For the past several years, City and County staff have collaborated on events at Hart Park, and
discussions have taken place regarding the City's role at that location. For several years, there
have been informal requests that the County consider deeding Hart Park to the City. As the City
continues its efforts to cement Old Town Newhall as the City's Arts and Entertainment District,
Hart Park remains an important amenity in the area, and it is likely that the use of Hart Park may
expand to accommodate more City events in the future. For these reasons, staff is recommending
that the City Council send a letter to the County, requesting the County's consideration to
transfer ownership of Hart Park to the City.
Should the City Council approve the recommended action and should the County agree to the
concept, staff will return to the City Council at a later date with a comprehensive report. This
report would include future financial obligations, details on deed restrictions, and the process and
timeline to complete the transfer for the City Council to review and consider.
ALTERNATIVE ACTION
Other action as determined by the City Council.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no impact to the General Fund by this action.
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