Title
A Resolution Supporting an Application to Great Outdoors Colorado for Panorama Park Enhancements
Presenter:
Tilah Larson, Senior Analyst, Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services
Karen Palus, Director of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services
Body
Summary:
The Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Department (Department) seeks to apply for a Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) Local Park and Outdoor Recreation (LPOR) grant. The $350,000 grant application will assist with park enhancements at Panorama Park.
In partnership with the Trust for Public Land (TPL) and the RISE Coalition, the Department is engaging in a public planning process to identify opportunities for Panorama Park improvements. We anticipate having a master plan approved by the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board by early 2019, with planned construction starting in late summer of 2019. A grant award from GOCO will allow for expanded park elements and additional features not otherwise afforded by the current identified project budget.
Previous Council Action:
N/A
Background:
GOCO’s LPOR grant opportunity funds new park development, enhances existing park facilities and supports land acquisition. The GOCO grant application, due in November, requires a resolution from City Council supporting the project. This grant opportunity previously funded the playground at Venezia Park and the Incline.
In February 2018, TPL and the Department met to discuss parkland improvement opportunities in southeast Colorado Springs and the possibility of expanding TPL’s Parks to People Program to the community. Additionally, TPL met with southeast community stakeholders to identify priority neighborhood parks and community needs, which included park assessments by local residents. Through these initial conversations and vetting processes all parties identified Panorama Park as a priority project.
The initial Panorama Park planning kick-off meeting began in May. Additional outreach over the summer included stakeholder meetings, youth feedback sessions, Meet Me at the Park community events, Pop Up Play activation programming, and youth peer-to-peer conversations. Through these activities and events TPL collected community feedback for possible improvements in Panorama Park. By the end of October TPL will provide the Department with two conceptual plans that the Department will refine through additional community feedback sessions. The Department will present a final master plan to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board in late 2018 or early 2019.
This item supports the City’s strategic goal relating to investing in infrastructure and building community and collaborative relationships through additional park features determined, in part, via community input and involvement.
Financial Implications:
As part of the grant’s requirements the City will provide a match of approximately $200,000 from funding allocated to Panorama Park through Parkland Dedication Ordinance Funds in the 2019 budget.
Board/Commission Recommendation:
The Parks and Recreation Advisory Board voted to recommend the Panorama Park enhancement application at their August 9, 2018 meeting.
Stakeholder Process:
The Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Department is working with the Trust for Public Land, the RISE Coalition, and other community stakeholders to identify community sought improvements for Panorama Park. A community survey asked residents about their dreams for the park and over 1,000 individuals provided feedback about amenities and activities they would like to see in Panorama Park. Throughout the summer local groups coordinated activities and solicited community feedback regarding the park. Additionally, RISE hosted two Meet Me at the Park events to generate interest in the park, encourage community input, and to activate the space.
As the planning process moves forward the community will be invited to view master plan proposals and provide additional input regarding park amenities. The final master plan will be reviewed and approved by the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board in late 2018 or early 2019.
Alternatives:
City Council may choose not to support the grant application.
Recommended Action
Proposed Motion:
Move to approve the Resolution supporting an application to Great Outdoors Colorado for Panorama Park enhancements.
Summary of Ordinance Language
N/A