Item 3H: Resolution Authorizing PW/POS Staff Application to OPRD's Local Government Grant Program for WJ Skatepark

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Memorandum Date: April 2, 2013 To: Intergovernmental Relations Committee From: Neil Bjorklund, Parks and Open Space Planning Manager Subject: Oregon Parks & Recreation Department Grant Application For Construction of WJ Skatepark and Urban Plaza Related Site Elements Source/Purpose: Public Works staff requests the authority to submit a grant application to the Oregon Parks & Recreation Department (OPRD) – Local Government Grants program for funding to construct improvements to Washington Jefferson Park. The grant funding would support construction of the WJ Skatepark + Urban Plaza, including the rehabilitation of many of the utilities, paths and landscaping surround the actual skatepark. Funding for this particular grant program is available statewide through the ORPD and is funded through the Oregon State Lottery. This grant program specifically funds acquisition of, or improvements to, public outdoor park and recreation facilities. Funds Requested: $122,000 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. The City’s original appropriation of $292,000 in Park SDC funds toward construction of the project exceeds the required match for this grant. POS is processing a Supplemental Budget request to appropriate additional Park SDC funds and is working in partnership with Eugene Parks Foundation, Skaters for Eugene Skateparks (SES) and the Downtown Rotary club with a goal of raising a total of $225,000 in private donations. With these additional funds, the City and private funding contributions will be several times the amount of the grant request. Description: The WJ Skatepark + Urban Plaza will be a regional scale facility providing centrally located skateboarding and recreation opportunities for neighbors, community members and wheeled sport enthusiasts of all levels and abilities. The location of the future park site is under the I-105 Bridge in st Washington Jefferson Park between West 1 and the railroad tracks. The Skatepark will be both covered and lit to provide year-round recreation and recreation opportunities in a free public park setting. The scope of the project includes construction of a 23,000 square foot skatepark, upgrades to the outdated park infrastructure framework and rehabilitation of the park’s paths and landscaping to make for the most accessible and safe environment possible. The project will provide a much needed facility for multiple levels and types of users, from beginning to advanced; from skateboards to roller skates. This facility will also provide recreation opportunities for non- skaters as well with the enhancements to the paths and the building of an urban plaza that will facilitate small