Title
Consider Support for a Grant Application to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department for Matching Fund Assistance for Development of a Neighborhood Park in Northwest Mansfield
Requested Action
Consider Support for a Grant Application to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department for Matching Fund Assistance for Development of a Neighborhood Park in Northwest Mansfield
Recommendation
Support the Grant Application
Description/History
In concert with the 2010 Parks, Recreation, Open Space and Trails Master Plan, staff proposes to submit a grant application to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department in the amount of $750,000 for development of a neighborhood park on Gertie Barrett Road in northwest Mansfield.
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, playing fields, 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 December 4, 2019.
1. Assurance of the City’s eligibility to apply for and receive a grant.
2. Designation of an authorized representative (the City Parks and Recreation Director) to act on behalf of the City in all contractual matters with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department concerning the project.
3. Designation of the City’s Director of Finance to serve as Fiscal Officer for this project.
4. Dedication of the land for the purpose of public outdoor recreation in perpetuity.
A public hearing will be scheduled on November 11, 2019 in conjunction with the City Council’s consideration of the resolution authorizing application to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.
Justification
Neighborhood parks were identified as a high priority by Mansfield residents in the 2010 adopted Parks, Recreation, Open Space and Trails Master Plan. Development of the proposed park on Gertie Barrett Road will provide access to thousands of current residents, as well as thousands more in the future with three proposed residential developments in this immediate area.
Funding Source
MPFDC ½ cent sales tax
Prepared By
Matt Young, Director of Parks and Recreation
Matt.Young@mansfieldtexas.gov
817-728-3397