Item 2E: Application to Oregon Parks

Home Browse Search

ATTACHMENT B MEMO To: Intergovernmental Relations Committee From: Emily Proudfoot, Landscape Architect 682-4915 Subject: Request for Approval to Submit Application to the 2009 OPRD Local Government Grant Program th Date: March 11, 2009 Background: Public Works Parks and Open Space staff is requesting authority to submit a grant application to the Oregon State Parks and Recreation Department for funding to construct improvements to Washington/Jefferson Park. The moneys would assist in funding construction of a regional scale skatepark and, as associated projects, removal and replacement of the existing restrooms and replacement of the existing playground. Funding for this particular grant is available statewide through the Oregon Department of Parks and Recreation and is funded by the Oregon State Lottery. This grant program specifically funds acquisition of or improvements to public outdoor park and recreation facilities. Total project improvements are estimated at $892,000 and the project will be phased to accommodate whatever level of funding is achieved. The City of Eugene applied for and was the successful recipient of a $250,000 OPRD grant for the parking lot and overlook construction at Delta Ponds in 2003. That work was completed in 2005 and is now open to the public. The City Center Skatepark project has been in the active planning stages since April of 2008, and is prioritized as a Priority 1 project in the City’s Parks, Recreation and Open Space Project and Priority plan adopted by City Council in 2006. The Eugene Skateboarding community has been advocating for such a facility since 2004 when the City went to the public to gather input on what to include in the Parks, Recreation and Open Space Comprehensive Plan. The public support and enthusiasm that the proposal received resulted in the project achieving Priority 1 status. The park property is owned by the Oregon Department of Transportation and the City leases the property from ODOT. The City has maintained and operated the site as a city park since the early 1970’s. Parks planning staff are working closely with ODOT to ensure their long term bridge maintenance needs are met as the site is reconfigured to accommodate the proposed facilities. The project is also being actively supported by local skateboarders and skateboarding advocates through activities organized and led by Skaters for Eugene SkateParks. Eugene Rotary has recently expressed interest in partnering on project as well. For more information visit the SES website at www.skateeugene.org. Funds Requested: The City would apply for $210,000. The maximum grant available from this program is $750,000. Match Required: The OPRD Local Government Grants program requires at least a 50% local match to qualify for funding which has already been met by the City. Parks and Open Space has committed $292,000 in Park SDC funds toward construction of the project and is working in