Department of Parks and Recreation
Reference: Active Grant Application to Adams County for the Benedict Park Improvements Project
To: Mayor Gregory Mills and Members of City Council
Through: Michael P. Martinez, City Manager
Prepared By: Mark Heidt, Assistant Director of Parks & Recreation Development and City’s Bicycle Program Coordinator
Date Prepared: February 22, 2023
PURPOSE
A Resolution authorizing the City of Brighton to submit to Adams County an Active Grant Application requesting grant funding in the amount not to exceed $1,750,000.00 for the “Benedict Park Improvements Project” and authorizing the City Manager to sign and execute the grant application.
BACKGROUND
Benedict Park became a City park in late 1958/early 1959. In 1964 the park was dedicated as Benedict Park.
The Parks and Recreation Department staff along with Norris Design (Landscape Architect firm) have created an Overall Plan for the park. This plan was completed on December 7, 2022. The following items are part of the Benedict Park Improvements Project:
• Replacement of an old irrigation system that is between 30-60 years old. The new irrigation system will be more water efficient and need less maintenance.
• Replacement of 2 playgrounds (one playground built in 1999 and the other in 2002). The south playground will be for ages 2-12 and will be ADA accessible and include sensory equipment. The north-central playground will be of older kids and adults, and it will be an obstacle course playground.
• Extensive expansion of the present skate spot into a skate park.
• Replacement of 3 shelters with 3 new ADA accessible shelters.
• A concrete trail loop connection to the present park trail.
• New safety lighting, amenities, and park identification signs.
• Resodding and adding of trees to areas that are disturbed with the construction.
The total cost of the Benedict Park Improvements Project is estimated at $3,000,000.00. This project will be the combination of both this grant request and the City’s matching funds. The Adams County Open Space Active Grant funding request of $1,750,000.00 (58.0% of total project cost) will match to the City’s cash match of $1,250,000.00 (42.0% of total). The City’s cash match to construct this project is within the Parks and Recreation Capital Budget for 2024 that is part of the 5-Year Capital Improvements Projects (CIP) that City Council has reviewed.
In order to receive the Adams County Open Space Active Grant monies, the City will need to attach an approved Resolution from the City Council so that the City can submit the Application. The Resolution authorizes the City staff to apply for the Adams County Open Space Grant funding through the Active Grant Application and authorizes the City Manager to sign and execute the Grant Application.
CRITERIA BY WHICH COUNCIL MUST CONSIDER THE ITEM
Adams County becomes a funding partner through this grant funding, and this allows the City of Brighton to spend less money needed to complete the Benedict Park Improvements Project. Additionally, there is a need to complete this improvements project, and Adams County grant funding helps accomplish the completion.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
Awarded Adams County Open Space Active Grant Application funds of $1,750,000.00 will be used for the Benedict Park Improvements Project. This project includes the Benedict Park construction of the park improvements listed in the previous “Background” section of this Staff Report. The City has budgeted a match of $1,250,000.00. The total project is estimated to be $3,000,000.00. The City’s cash match to construct this project is within the Parks and Recreation Capital Budget for 2024 that is part of the 5-Year Capital Improvements Projects (CIP) that City Council has reviewed.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the City Council approve the Resolution authorizing staff to submit to an Adams County Open Space Active Grant Application requesting grant funding in the amount not to exceed $1,750,000.00 for the “Benedict Park Improvements Project” and authorizing the City Manager to sign and execute the grant application.
OPTIONS FOR COUNCIL CONSIDERATION
• Approve the request to apply for Adams County Grant Funding
• Reject the request
• Request staff to look at other options
ATTACHMENTS
Resolution
Benedict Park Improvements Project (PowerPoint)