Title
A Resolution Supporting the City of Colorado Springs Inspire Initiative Grant Award from Great Outdoors Colorado on Behalf of the Pikes Peak Coalition
Presenter:
Karen Palus, Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Director
Tilah Larson, Senior Grants Analyst
Body
Summary:
On July 25, 2017, City Council authorized the application to Great Outdoors Colorado for the Inspire Initiative as evidenced by Resolution No. 69-17. The application requested $3 million from Great Outdoors Colorado to improve outdoor amenities and expand nature-based programming and career pathways. On December 15, 2017 the GOCO Board approved the award of $1,393,955.50 to the Pikes Peak Coalition. This resolution accepts the grant award based on the terms of the grant agreement.
Previous Council Action:
On July 25, 2017, City Council adopted Resolution No. 69-17 authorizing an application to Great Outdoor Colorado’s Inspire Initiative.
Background:
The Pikes Peak Coalition engaged in an 18-month planning process to develop solutions and break down barriers that limit youth’s meaningful engagement with nature. Barriers like time, transportation, money, access, and lack of interest and understanding keep kids from getting outside and developing the lifelong passion for the great outdoors.
The Pikes Peak Coalition focused on the Hillside and Adams neighborhoods as our target region. As part of the planning process and based on GOCO’s direction, the coalition identified opportunities for improvements to local places, programming that engages youth and families from the backyard to the backcountry, and career pathways that provide internships and job opportunities.
Local backyard improvements to parkland include expanding recreation opportunities at Fountain Park to incorporate a youth dedicated biking facility and nature-based improvements at Prospect Lake, such as creating a naturalized lake edge, expanding the playground facilities to include natural play components, a youth fishing pond, improvements to the beach house, and expanding on water play opportunities.
Programming and career pathways will be supported by local partners such as Catamount Institute, the YMCA, Rocky Mountain Field Institute, Mile High Youth Corps, UpaDowna, Colorado Parks and Wildlife, El Paso County Nature Centers, and Kids on Bikes. The programming matrix will provide meaningful and accessible engagement opportunities for youth ages 4-24 and families.
This item supports the City’s strategic goal relating to building community and collaborative relationships by bringing together a wide array of partner organizations to benefit the community’s youth through enhanced outdoor recreation and educational opportunities.
Financial Implications:
GOCO will award $1,393,955.50, which has a required 25% overall match with at least 10% cash and 15% in-kind.
Cash match for parkland improvements:
• $250,000 from Parkland Dedication Ordinance Funds, which is already appropriated in the 2018 Budget
Match requirements for programming and pathways:
• Each program provider is responsible for providing the necessary match for their proposed programming and career pathways
Additional in-kind services and grant opportunities will be sought in support of the grant.
Board/Commission Recommendation:
The Parks and Recreation Advisory Board voted to recommend the Inspire Implementation application at their May 11, 2017 meeting.
Stakeholder Process:
Staff has worked with members of the Hillside and Adams neighborhoods, Rogers and Adams Elementary Schools, and community youth through a variety of meetings and events.
• 1000+ responses from youth and adults through a community survey
• 534 youth engaged through outreach events
• 40 educators provided feedback
• 35 park users provided feedback during intercepts at Prospect Lake
• 63 community members provided feedback during an Adams Community Event at the school
• 26 community members provided feedback during a Hillside Food Pantry food distribution event
• 38 community members participated in a motorized boating public meeting
• 33 community members participated in a Prospect Lake public meeting
• 4 community members participated in Fountain Park public meeting
Alternatives:
City Council could decline to approve the resolution in which case the grant award would be forfeited.
Recommended Action
Proposed Motion:
Move to approve the Resolution Supporting the City of Colorado Springs Inspire Initiative Grant Award from Great Outdoors Colorado on Behalf of the Pikes Peak Coalition.
Summary of Ordinance Language
N/A