Title
Resolution - Public Hearing and Resolution to Consider Support for a Grant Application to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department for Matching Fund Assistance for Development of James McKnight Park West
REQUESTED ACTION
Consider Support for a Grant Application to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department for Matching Fund Assistance for Development of James McKnight Park West
RECOMMENDATION
Support the Grant Application
DESCRIPTION/HISTORY
In concert with the 2020 Parks, Recreation, Open Space and Trails Master Plan, staff proposes to submit a grant application to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) in the amount of $750,000 for development of James McKnight Park West.
The Local Parks Non-Urban Outdoor Recreation grant program provides 50% matching funds to municipalities, counties, MUDs and other local units of government with a population less than 500,000 to acquire and develop parkland or to renovate existing public recreation areas up to $750,000. The application will request assistance for the construction of typical neighborhood park amenities such as a playground, looped trail, picnic facilities, a shelter, and small parking lot. The City will provide a match of $750,000 from park development fees and/or the MPFDC operating budget.
Grant application guidelines require the sponsoring agency, in this case the City of Mansfield, to adopt a resolution addressing the following provisions prior to the submission deadline of August 1, 2022.
1. Assurance of the City’s eligibility to apply for and receive a grant.
2. Assurance that the City’s matching share is available.
3. Designation of an authorized representative (City’s Director of Community Services) to act on behalf of the City in all contractual matters with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department concerning the project.
4. Designation of the City’s Chief Financial Officer to serve as Fiscal Officer for this project.
5. Dedication of the land for the purpose of public outdoor recreation in perpetuity.
A public hearing is scheduled in conjunction with the City Council’s consideration of the resolution authorizing application to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. At their July 21, 2022 regular meeting, the Mansfield Park Facilities Development Corporation unanimously voted in support of submitting the grant application to TPWD.
JUSTIFICATION
Neighborhood parks were identified as a high priority by Mansfield residents in the 2020 adopted Parks, Recreation, Open Space and Trails Master Plan. Development of James McKnight Park West will provide access to thousands of current residents in an underserved area of the city.
FUNDING SOURCE
MPFDC ½ cent sales tax
Prepared By
Matt Young, Director of Community Services
Matt.Young@mansfieldtexas.gov <mailto:Matt.Young@mansfieldtexas.gov>
817-728-3397