DEPARTMENT: Parks and Recreation Department
DEPARTMENT HEAD: Xavier Urrutia
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: District 3
SUBJECT:
Grant Application to KaBoom! for Brooks Park
SUMMARY:
This ordinance authorizes the submission of a grant application to KaBoom! and the acceptance upon award for a new playscape at Brooks Park located in Council District 3. The application will be submitted for a new playscape provided by funding partners identified by KaBoom! This ordinance also authorizes the Parks and Recreation Director to execute any and all related documents.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
KaBoom! is a national non-profit organization that envisions a great place to play within walking distance of every child in America. Since 1995, KaBoom! has used its community-build model to bring together business and community interests to construct playgrounds. KaBoom! selects sites based on a number of factors such as if existing playgrounds are within the vicinity, neighborhoods with engaged parents and families and a viable non-profit to serve as the community partner for the project. Based on the KaBoom! criteria and decisive factors of their funding partner, Brooks Park is recommended for application and meets their preliminary review prior to commitment.
This action authorizes the grant application submission and acceptance upon award. The KaBoom! grant process requires volunteers to install the playground equipment. Volunteers will be engaged throughout the process of designing the playscape until the build days, which is scheduled by KaBoom! The grant process requires community partners to combine with the City for the playground build projects. Alamo City Rugby Football Club and Brooks Academy of Science and Engineering are the community partners assisting with volunteer recruitment and other aspects of the playground build at Brooks Park.
ISSUE:
The KaBoom! grant application 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 a new playground, consistent with the Adopted Parks and Recreation System Strategic Plan.
ALTERNATIVES:
KaBoom! playscapes are awarded on a competitive basis. Should the City choose not to apply, other resources will need to be identified and secured to construct new a playscape for this park. This grant funding is a unique opportunity for the City of San Antonio to enhance service delivery to the citizens.
FISCAL IMPACT:
KaBoom! requires applicants to contribute up to $8,500.00 towards the cost of the equipment and there will be site preparation costs of about $20,000.00, which is available in the Parks Playground Replacement budget. Estimated value of the donated equipment and surfacing is $100,000.00. If fund raising efforts by the community are successful, those funds will be used to reimburse the City's contribution. Funding for operations and maintenance of new park amenities is included in the FY 2014 Adopted Parks and Recreation Budget.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends approval of the submission of the grant application and acceptance upon award from KaBoom! for the playscape at Brooks Park.