DEPARTMENT: Parks and Recreation
DEPARTMENT HEAD: Xavier D. Urrutia
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: Council Districts 1
SUBJECT:
Grant Application to KaBoom! for Labor Street Park
SUMMARY:
This ordinance authorizes the submission of a grant application to KaBoom! and the acceptance upon award of a new playscape, at an estimated value of $95,000.00, for Labor Street Park located in Council District 1. This ordinance will also authorize the transfer of $60,000.00 from the General Fund into the Labor Street Park Playground Project for a total project cost of $155,000.00; and 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. The Labor Street Park was acquired in 2014 and does not have an existing playground. If awarded the playground would complement the softball field and fitness stations. Based on KaBoom! criteria and decisive factors of their funding partner, Labor Street 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 community partners to engage with the City for the playground build projects. The San Antonio Housing Authority is the community partner and will assist with volunteer recruitment, along with the La Vaca Neighborhood Association, and other aspects of the playground build.
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, Brooks Park and Jane Dubel Park over the last six 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 new a 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 $20,000.00 towards the cost of the equipment at each site. Funding of $60,000.00 for the KaBoom! contribution and associated site work will be provided through the Parks and Recreation Department General Fund operating budget. This ordinance authorizes the transfer of $60,000.00 from the General Fund into the Labor Street Park Playground Project for a total project cost of $155,000.00. The estimated value of the donated playscape is $95,000.00. Funding necessary for the new playground maintenance will be 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 the playscape at Labor Street Park.