DEPARTMENT: Parks and Recreation
DEPARTMENT HEAD: Xavier D. Urrutia
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: District 1
SUBJECT:
Acceptance of Grant Funds from National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) and License Agreement with San Antonio Housing Authority
SUMMARY:
This ordinance authorizes the acceptance of grant funds from the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) to provide improvements at Labor Street/Victoria Commons Park located in Council District 1, establishes a project budget in the amount of $150,000.00 for improvements and $50,000.00 for fitness programming, for a total of $200,000.00; authorizes the amendment to the FY 2015-2020 Capital Improvement Program budget, and executes a license agreement with San Antonio Housing Authority for use of their property. This ordinance also authorizes the Parks and Recreation Director to execute any and all related documents and accept any additional NRPA funds that may become available for this project during the term of this grant.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
The Coca Cola Company approached NRPA with grant funds to create an urban space for teens to recreate and participate in Fitness In The Park activities in San Antonio. Based on grantor's requirements and preferred location, Labor Street/Victoria Commons Park was identified to receive these funds. No formal submission for this award was required.
Labor Street/Victoria Commons became a City park earlier this year with the cooperative property exchange between the Parks and Recreation Department, San Antonio Housing Authority (SAHA) and the Center City Development Office. While currently there is an open play area located in the park, additional development and rehabilitation is required to maximize the use of this parcel for park activities. Prior to the property transfer, SAHA commissioned a master plan with public input from the surrounding neighborhood.
The grant funds will be used to construct outdoor fitness equipment, augment the kickball area, and provide fitness programming. The fitness programming will be open to the public with a number of classes developed specifically for the teen age demographic. Some of the programs may include, but are not limited to, teen boot camps, teen circuit training, sports conditioning, sports clinics, teen RoTenGo programs, kickball leagues and teen exercise groups. Funds will also be used to rehabilitate the existing basketball court and open play area on SAHA property, consistent with the master plan for this area. All the improvements made to these properties will offer valuable resources to connect neighborhoods to fitness and recreational opportunities for all to enjoy. The execution of the license agreement allows the City to utilize the basketball court and open play area to provide recreation for the public.
ISSUE:
The NRPA grant is consistent with City policy to apply for grants to enhance service delivery by supplementing local funds. Grant funds would be utilized for development of the park and facilities, and fitness programming for the public, consistent with the Adopted Parks and Recreation System Strategic Plan.
ALTERNATIVES:
NRPA grant funds are awarded on a limited basis and if the City chooses not to accept the grant, the City will lose the opportunity to obtain additional resources for improvements to Labor Street/Victoria Commons Park. This grant funding is a unique opportunity for the City of San Antonio.
FISCAL IMPACT:
NRPA requires no matching or other additional funding for this grant. This action will set up a capital project to provide funding for the Labor Street/Victoria Commons Park, establish a project budget in the amount of $200,000.00, and authorize the amendment of the FY 2015-2020 Capital Improvement Program budget. The license agreement with SAHA has no general fund impact.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends accepting this grant and establishing the budget of $200,000.00 from the NRPA in partnership with the Coca Cola Company for improvements and fitness programming at Labor Street/Victoria Commons Park and executing a license agreement with SAHA.