07-07-2022 Parks_Rec Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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STAFF REPORT TO:Parks & Recreation Commission FROM:Bryce Shearen, CPRP, Parks & Recreation/Community Services Director DATE:July 7, 2022 RE:Pioneer Park Improvements Update ACTION REQUESTED No Action Required / Informational Update. BACKGROUND After recommendation by the Parks & Recreation Commission, the City Council adopted a Resolution at the March 9, 2022, City Council meeting supporting an application to the Minnesota DNR Outdoor Recreation Grant Program for improvements to the play node at Pioneer Park. The MnDNR Outdoor Recreation Program is a competitive grant program that provides matching grant funds to local units of government for up to 50% of the cost of acquisition, development and/or redevelopment of local parks and recreation areas. With assistance from Bolton & Menk, the City submitted for the grant in March. The grant has a maximum award of $300,000 with the purpose of enhancing outdoor recreation facilities in local and community parks throughout the state. Staff was recently notified that the City of Little Canada was awarded $300,000 from the MnDNR Outdoor Recreation Program contingent on final processing. Staff is already working on the required documentation. GRANT PROGRAM TIMELINE March 10: DNR Outdoor Recreation Grant early submittal date (submit for feedback) March 31: DNR Outdoor Recreation Grant final submittal date June 15: DNR Notification of grant awards NEXT STEPS July/August – Finalize grant agreement with the MnDNR and the National Park Service Fall 2022 – 100% plan set completion and approval for project bidding Summer 2023 – Anticipated construction of park improvements BUDGETARY IMPACT A total of $1,547,500 has been budgeted for Pioneer Park improvements in the General Capital Improvement Fund (Fund 400) between 2022-2024. Grant funding helps to reduce this impact and allows this project to move forward.