Title
Resolution Authorizing Matching Grant Application for 2020 Parks and Recreation Trust Fund (PARTF) Grant for the Battleground Parks District-Country Park Hillside Project
Body
Department: Parks and Recreation
Council District: 3
Council Priority: Maintain Infrastructure and Provide Sustainable Growth Opportunities
Public Hearing: N/A
Advertising Date/By: N/A
Contact 1 and Phone: Nasha McCray, 433-7360
Contact 2 and Phone: Shawna Tillery, 373-7808
PURPOSE:
The Parks and Recreation (P&R) Department seeks to apply for a Parks and Recreation Trust Fund (PARTF) grant for Battleground Parks District (BPD) - Country Park hillside project. The PARTF grant requires a dollar-for-dollar match of a maximum amount of $500,000. P&R will leverage 2016 bond funding earmarked for BPD as the $500,000 match. City Council approval is required to apply for this matching grant, which has an application deadline date of May 1, 2020. If the grant is awarded, the funding would be utilized for Phase I improvements to the hillside at Country Park.
BACKGROUND:
The North Carolina General Assembly established the PARTF on July 16, 1994 to fund improvements in the state's park system, to fund grants for local governments and to increase the public's access to the state's beaches. The Parks and Recreation Authority, a nine-member appointed board, was also created to allocate funds from PARTF to the state parks and to the grants program for local governments. PARTF provides dollar-for-dollar matching grants to local governments to assist with parks and recreation projects that serve the public.
BPD is made up of Atlantic and Yadkin (A&Y) Greenway, Country Park, Forest Lawn Cemetery, Greensboro Science Center, Guilford Courthouse Military Park, and Jaycee Park. A master plan was completed in 2011 for the 432 acre green space. A schematic design for the hillside was completed in 2019 and the design development for the hillside is nearing completion. The initial Phase I park development will take place on the hillside at Country Park. New facilities will include a canopy walk/skywalk, zip line, and promenade/event area. Park amenities like what is at the park site include a new shelter and the relocation of the existing dog park. Support facilities will include a new parking area off Lawndale Drive, an entry plaza, accessible parking and drop-off at the top of the hill, accessible walkways and a new restroom building.
BUDGET IMPACT:
Parks and Recreation has budgeted 2016 bond funds allocated for BPD development. If awarded, the local match of $500,000 will be leveraged from the existing budget.
RECOMMENDATION / ACTION REQUESTED:
The Parks and Recreation Department requests City Council approval and adoption of a resolution authorizing the PARTF matching grant in the amount of $500,000.