DEPARTMENT: Parks and Recreation
DEPARTMENT HEAD: Xavier D. Urrutia
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: District 2
SUBJECT:
Local Park Grant Application to Texas Parks and Wildlife Department for Botanical Garden
SUMMARY:
This ordinance authorizes the submission of a grant application to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) as part of the Local Park Grant Program. This application is for the Urban Outdoor Recreation Grant, for an amount of up to $1,000,000.00. This ordinance also authorizes acceptance of grants upon award in a cumulative amount of up to $1,000,000.00, to be used for the implementation of the Botanical Garden Master plan which includes the expansion of the Botanical Garden with amenities.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
The San Antonio Botanical Garden Society has raised approximately $7M toward the implementation of the Botanical Garden Master Plan which includes the new Family Adventure Garden, a 2.0-acre outdoor recreation area that will engage all ages in exploration of native plants and the natural world. Components of the Family Adventure Garden include areas for quiet respite, secret gardens, opportunities to climb, areas for sensory and dramatic play and natural forms that encourage creative free play in a safe outdoor environment rich with native plantings.
The Parks and Recreation Department recommends the City of San Antonio submit a grant proposal for the San Antonio Botanical Garden in response to the TPWD release of a special call for applications for the Urban Outdoor Recreation Grant with applications due on August 31, 2014. The San Antonio Botanical Garden is a City owned and operated facility and funding from this grant would supplement funds raised by the San Antonio Botanical Garden Society. It is anticipated the Botanical Garden project would score favorably in this competitive grant process due to the amount of private funds leveraged as well as the tie to Texas natural and agricultural heritage planned as part of the Family Adventure Garden.
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission will be considering grant requests at their annual meeting in January 2015. Funding would become available in the spring of 2015. If awarded, grant period is three years with optional extensions if requested.
ISSUE:
The TPWD 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 parks and facilities, consistent with the Adopted Parks and Recreation System Strategic Plan.
ALTERNATIVES:
TPWD grant funds are awarded on a competitive basis and if the City chooses not to submit the grant application, then the City will lessen its chances at securing additional funding for the Botanical Garden. This grant funding is a unique opportunity for the City of San Antonio.
FISCAL IMPACT:
TPWD requires a one-to-one match of $1,000,000.00. If awarded, the matching funds will be provided by the San Antonio Botanical Garden Society. This action requires no General Fund commitment.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends the submission of the grant application and the acceptance of up to $1,000,000.00 upon award from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.