DEPARTMENT: Parks and Recreation
DEPARTMENT HEAD: Xavier D. Urrutia
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: Council District 7
SUBJECT:
Grant Application to KaBoom! for Thunderbird Hills Park
SUMMARY:
This ordinance authorizes the submission of an application to KaBoom! and the acceptance upon award for a new playscape at Thunderbird Hills Park located in Council District 7. 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. Thunderbird Hills Park was acquired in 2013 and does not have an existing playground. If awarded, the playground would complement the planned trail, pavilion, and parking lot improvements. Based on the KaBoom! criteria and decisive factors of their funding partner, Thunderbird Hills Park is recommended for application and meets their preliminary review prior to commitment.
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 a community partner to combine with the City for the playground build projects. Thunderbird Hills Homeowners Association is the community partner and will assist with volunteer recruitment and other aspects of the playground build at Thunderbird Hills Park.
Parks and Recreation has been successful with KaBoom! to install playgrounds at West End Park, Martinez Park, Sgt. Matthew Mendoza, USMC Park, Stinson Park, Jim Mattox Park and Brooks Park over the last five years. There is considerable community support for new playgrounds at City parks.
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 new playgrounds, 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 a new playscape for this park. This grant funding is a unique opportunity for the City of San Antonio.
FISCAL IMPACT:
KaBoom! requires applicants to contribute up to $8,500.00 towards the cost of the equipment at each site. The Parks and Recreation FY 2015 General Fund operating budget will support this cost, build-day expenses and concrete site work. The estimated value of the donated equipment, surfacing and playground amenities is $80,000.00. Funding necessary for new playground maintenance is requested as part of the annual Budget process.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends approval of the submission of the grant application and acceptance upon award from KaBoom! for a playscape at Thunderbird Hills Park.