HomeMy WebLinkAboutLowes Partnership Program Park Commission
Date: 3/18/08
REGULAR
Item: 5
ITEM: Lowes Partnership Program
SUBMITTED BY: Carol Kriegler, Project Assistant
REVIEWED BY: Mike Bouthilet, Public Works Superintendent
_________________________________________
SUMMARY:
A marketing representative for Lowes contacted staff about the opportunity to obtain an in-kind grant in the amount of $7,000 to $10,000 for a city park improvement of some kind. Correspondence
with the representative was limited to phone conversations and staff was asked to propose a project in very quick order. Given the nature of the types of materials being offered, and
the fact that the city currently does not have any picnic shelters, staff proposed a picnic shelter project. Other projects considered were a roofing project and baseball backstop
though staff felt that the shelter project might be viewed most favorably by Lowes. Attached is a follow-up memo outlining the proposed project. Note that the proposed design elements
were provided in an effort to communicate the desire for a shelter with considerable style to be constructed with high quality materials. We assume that there will be considerable
flexibility in designing the shelter in the event that the city actually receives the grant.
Given the possibility that the city will be successful in securing this gift, it is suggested that the commission begin exploring what process or criteria might be employed to determine
a potential location for the shelter. It is suggested that the commission might consider the following types of criteria in determining a potential location:
Availability of parking
Current level of park use
Presence or lack of natural shade
How existing amenities might compliment a picnic shelter.
The Commission will first want to consider whether they support the nature of the proposed project, or if they would prefer pursuing a project of an altogether different nature. It
is not known how much flexibility Lowes might allow in changing the direction of the project at this date. In the event that the Commission supports the project as proposed, they might
want to consider onsite visits in selecting a potential location for the shelter and could possibly incorporate the location selection process in scheduled spring park visits.
RECOMMENDATION:
The Park Commission is being asked to consider whether they support the project as proposed, establish a process for selecting a location for the proposed project in the event it is
supported, and move towards selecting a location to recommend to the City Council in the event the grant is secured.