08-12-2020 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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STAFF REPORT TO:Mayor Keis and Members of the City Council FROM:Bryce Shearen, CPRP, Parks & Recreation/Community Services Manager DATE:August 12, 2020 RE:MRPA Award of Excellence – Spooner Park All-Inclusive Playground BACKGROUND The Minnesota Recreation and Park Association (MRPA) annually recognizes member agencies for outstanding programs, projects, and initiatives through its Awards of Excellence program. This distinguished recognition is for projects completed the previous year that score highly in regards to the Awards of Excellence program criteria. The goal of the Awards of Excellence program is to increase public awareness and appreciation of the excellent parks, trails, and recreation services available in Minnesota. A public presentation of the award will be made at the City Council meeting and the project will be highlighted in an upcoming MRPA member magazine. The Little Canada Parks and Recreation Department submitted for an Award of Excellence in the Park and Facility category for the Spooner Park All-Inclusive Playground. The new playground was designed using feedback from the community, Parks & Recreation Commission and City Council, which resulted in an all-inclusive playground for children of all abilities. Funding for the playground and the Community Build was through Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) funds, the Little Canada Recreation Association (LCRA), the Canadian Days Committee, and a grant through the playground equipment company that the City applied for. The playground was built last year with the help of many volunteers from all parts of the City and represents what Little Canada can accomplish with all the great support of the community. A member of the MRPA will be in attendance at the City Council meeting to present the award to the City.