Title
PARK AND RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD’S RECOMMENDATION FOR ALLOCATION OF REMAINING 2016 NEIGHBORHOOD PARK GRANT FUNDS
COUNCIL STRATEGIC INITIATIVE ADDRESSED: Address quality of place issues
CITY ATTORNEY REVIEW: N/A
SUMMARY STATEMENT:
The Neighborhood Park Grant Program is a capital program (budgeted in the capital projects fund) initiated by the City Council as a means of giving community groups the opportunity to improve and invest in their parks, and the city the ability to stretch its capital funds. Annually since 1997 the parks and recreation board has evaluated applications from neighborhood and community groups, sports organizations, service clubs, and individuals wishing to invest in a project within the park system. The board’s recommendations are then presented to the council for final approval.
On January 12, Council approved Resolution No. 2202 Adopting the Neighborhood Park Grant Policy and Procedures. In the policy it states that “if all grant funding has not been expended after the second round of request for applications, the City of Longview Parks and Recreation Department may apply for the remaining funding.” The policy still requires the department to fill out an application for recommendation by the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board. The only difference allowed to the department is that it is not required to provide a 50% match for grant funds and may choose to supplement any shortfall using money from the operating budget.
The Parks Division is requesting the remaining 2016 Neighborhood Park Grant funds to replace two slides that were vandalized. Currently there are six elements that are missing throughout the park system totaling over $23,200 in replacement costs. Utilizing the remaining funds from the grant program will allow for the division to begin reinstalling all the missing elements.
The Parks and Recreation Advisory Board reviewed the grant application for funding at their January meeting and is recommending the pr...
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