DEPARTMENT: Parks and Recreation
DEPARTMENT HEAD: Xavier D. Urrutia
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: Council Districts 6
SUBJECT:
Grant Application to KaBoom! for Cuellar 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 $60,000.00, for Officer Richard Cuellar Park located in Council District 6. This ordinance also authorizes a contribution in the amount of $28,500.00 available from the FY 2018 General Fund Budget, for a total estimated amount of $88,500.00; and authorizing the Parks and Recreation Director to execute any and all related documents.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
Acquired in 1972, Cuellar Park is named after Police Patrolman Richard M. Cuellar who was killed in the line of duty. Officer Cuellar was an advocate and organizer of youth activities, therefore a grant submitted to Kaboom! for a playscape serving children 2 to 12 years old is fitting. If awarded, the playscape would provide an additional recreational opportunity and complement the existing community center, pool, basketball court, walking trail, fitness stations, and sports fields. The proposed playscape will be constructed in close proximity to the sports fields that provide organized youth sports activities year round.
Since 1995, KaBoom! has used its community-build model to bring together business and community interests to construct playgrounds. The KaBoom! grant process requires volunteers to install the playground equipment. Volunteers will be engaged throughout the process of designing the playscape until the actual build day. The Edgewood Pony League is the community partner and will assist with volunteer recruitment and other aspects of the playground build.
Parks and Recreation has been successful with KaBoom! play installations at West End Park, Martinez Park, Sgt. Matthew Mendoza Park, USMC Park, Stinson Park, Jim Mattox Park, Brooks Park, Jane Dubel Park, and Rosedale Park over the last eight years.
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 current 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:
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 $60,000.00, for Officer Richard Cuellar Park located in Council District 6. This ordinance also authorizes a contribution in the amount of $28,500.00 available from the FY 2018 General Fund Budget. The estimated value of the donated playscape is $60,000.00, for a total estimated amount of $88,500.00. 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 Officer Richard Cuellar Park.