Title
A Resolution of Acceptance Supporting the Agreement Between the City of Colorado Springs and the State Board of the Great Outdoors Colorado Trust Fund for the Inspire Initiative “Out the Door Pikes Peak!”
Body
From:
Karen Palus, Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Director
Tilah Larson, Interim Senior Grants Analyst
Summary:
The Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Department successfully submitted a Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) Inspire Initiative grant application, “Out the Door Pikes Peak!”, in the amount of $75,000. The grant application represented a community coalition of 13 partners seeking to address the growing disconnect between youth and the outdoors. GOCO awarded the Pikes Peak Coalition a planning grant to engage in a planning process that identifies projects and opportunities that breakdown the barriers to play outside. Upon completing the 18 month planning process we will then be eligible to apply for $1 million to $5 million in implementation grants for funding parks, trails and programs that aim to get underprivileged kids into their wooded backyards and, eventually, into the backcountry.
The total cost of this project is anticipated to be approximately $116,500. GOCO awarded $75,000 for the planning process. The remaining budget cost of $41,500 will be funded by TOPS Funds, from those dollars allocated for stewardship education, to be appropriated by City Council for budget year 2016 ($10,000 cash match from TOPS), the Pikes Peaks Community Foundation ($15,000 cash match), and additional coalition members ($3,500 cash match and $13,000 in-kind match).
In order to accept the award of $75,000 in GOCO grant funds, City Council is required to pass a Resolution of Grant Acceptance that approves the grant agreement and states that the Mayor of Colorado Springs may sign a Grant Agreement with GOCO for the “Out the Door Pike Peak!” Inspire Initiative. On August 13, the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board approved the grant application for this project.
Previous Council Action:
City Council is scheduled to appropriate TOPS Funds for budget year 2016 in December 2015.
Background:
GOCO's Inspire Initiative is a five-year strategy aimed at inspiring Coloradans, particularly kids, to appreciate, enjoy and take care of our great outdoors. American kids today spend an average of four to seven minutes a day outside in unstructured play. That is over 50 percent less time than their parents did. This is a concern given the growing body of research that says the outdoors benefit a child physically, socially, emotionally and cognitively. Moreover, if our children don’t experience nature, they won’t value it.
Additionally, while Colorado may boast the nation’s healthiest adult population, our youth obesity rate is rising rapidly. Barriers like time, transportation, money, access, and lack of interest and understanding keep kids from getting outside and developing a lifelong passion for the great outdoors.
“Out the Door Pikes Peak!” seeks to identify ways to increase play and outside wonder, from the backyard to the backcountry in the Pikes Peak Region. The Pikes Peak Region offers unparalleled outdoor recreation opportunity and has the potential to fully engage youth and families by providing experiences from the plains to the top of Pikes Peak.
The planning process identifies southeast Colorado Springs as the social and cultural target area. The Pikes Peak Coalition aims to break down the barriers of accessibility by convening community partners and engaging residents in conversations about their community. With numerous service providers committed to connecting youth to the outdoors and under a strategy of developing collaborative community partnerships, we can continue to expand services, elevate marginalized youth and families, and create impactful change through outdoor experiences.
If City Council accepts the agreement of the $75,000 grant award, the 18-month planning process will proceed immediately. The funds provided by this grant will leverage already allocated TOPS funds to increase environmental education. The Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Department has received multiple GOCO Grants in the past. In order to receive the grant award, City Council must pass a resolution approving the grant agreement.
Financial Implications:
The “Out the Door Pikes Peak!” planning initiative is estimated to cost $116,500. $10,000 in TOPS funds (dollars allocated for stewardship allocation from the TOPS Open Space Category) is scheduled to be appropriated for this project as part of the 2016 Budget. By passing a Resolution of Acceptance, the City will receive an additional $75,000 in GOCO Grant funds to engage in an Inspire Initiative planning process. Acceptance of this grant does not require further appropriation of funds.
Board/Commission Recommendation:
On August 13, the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board reviewed and approved the grant application.
Stakeholder Process:
The initial planning process convened 35 leading stakeholders and community organizations throughout the region to identify partner strengths, our target area within the community, and opportunities to reach underserved populations. This led to a refined Pikes Peak Coalition of governmental agencies and local program providers committed to advancing efforts in the selected target area, and improving outdoor experiences throughout the region. Further meetings with coalition partners provided additional feedback regarding inspire planning opportunities.
Alternatives:
City Council may choose not to pass a Resolution of Acceptance for GOCO Grant funds for the “Out the Door Pikes Peak!” planning initiative. Doing so would forfeit $75,000 in grant funds and the Pikes Peak Coalition would not otherwise have the funding necessary to engage in a planning process.
Recommended Action
Proposed Motion:
Pass a Resolution of Acceptance supporting the agreement with GOCO for funds for the “Out the Door Pikes Peak!” planning initiative.
Summary of Ordinance Language
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