Title
Ordinance in the Amount of $20,000 Amending State, Federal, and Other Grant Fund Budget for the Appropriation of the Greensboro Area Convention & Visitors Bureau Special Events & Tourism Related Activities (SETRAC) Grant
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Department: Parks and Recreation
Council District: 3
Public Hearing: N/A
Advertising Date/By: N/A
Contact 1 and Phone: Phil Fleischmann, Community Recreation Services Division Manager, 336-373-3275
Contact 2 and Phone: Wayne Simmons, Athletics Superintendent, 336-412-5799
PURPOSE:
The Greensboro Parks and Recreation Department has been awarded a Greensboro Area Convention & Visitors Bureau Special Events and Tourism Related Activities (SETRAC) reimbursement grant valued at $20,000. The grant will enable the acquisition of five (5) new portable game pitching mounds and five (5) sets of temporary outfield fencing for use at Carolyn S. Allen Park. Acquisition of this new equipment will support the Parks and Recreation Department's efforts to recruit and host youth sports tournament providing direct revenue to the City in addition to stimulating the local economy. To accept this grant, a budget ordinance is requested for approval from the Greensboro City Council in accordance with current City fiscal procedures. The budget ordinance requested is $20,000, which reflects the amount of grant funding the City will receive directly from the funder.
BACKGROUND:
Consistent with the City's goal of creating an environment to promote economic development opportunities and maintaining its reputation as "Tournament Town", the Parks & Recreation Department is striving to maintain and enhance its appeal as a destination for youth sporting events. The Carolyn S. Allen Athletic Complex hosts twenty (20) to thirty (30) baseball/softball events annually between April and October. The $20,000 in funding received from this grant will be utilized to purchase five (5) new portable game pitching mounds and five (5) sets of temporary outfield fencing which will enable the Carolyn S. Allen Athletic Complex to host additional age groups during youth baseball events while also enhancing the overall experience for all other participants utilizing the facility. This improved flexibility in field set-up in conjunction with the exceptional quality of fields and service provided by the Parks and Recreation Department will enable the department to maintain and strengthen its position in the region as a host site for youth baseball/softball events. No match to this $20,000 grant is required.
BUDGET IMPACT:
This requested action will have no direct impact on the City of Greensboro's budget. Without the grant funds, the equipment acquisition will not occur.
RECOMMENDATION / ACTION REQUESTED:
It is recommended that City Council adopt the attached budget ordinance establishing funding in the amount of $20,000 from the Greensboro Area Convention & Visitors Bureau Special Events and Tourism Related Activities (SETRAC) grant.