Title
A Resolution Supporting an Application to Great Outdoors Colorado for the John Venezia Community Park Universally Accessible Playgrounds
Presenter:
Karen Palus, Director - Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services
Tilah Larson, Senior Grants Analyst - Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services
Body
Summary:
The Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Department is currently seeking a $350,000 Great Outdoors Colorado grant for the equipment and construction of the playgrounds within the John Venezia Community Park. Should the grant request be successful, the Great Outdoors Colorado funds will help to provide the necessary funding to ensure that the play equipment at the Venezia Park meets not just ADA-accessible standards, but also meets the more stringent universally-accessible rating. In doing so, the playground at our newest community park will become one of the region's most accessible and inclusive playgrounds.
Great Outdoors Colorado offers competitive grants to eligible entities for a variety of park, trail and open space needs across Colorado. Great Outdoors Colorado grants are wholly funded through state lottery proceeds. Staff is seeking a Resolution of Support from City Council as a necessary step to completing a Great Outdoors Colorado Grant Application.
Previous Council Action:
City Council approved the 2015 application to GOCO for this project.
Background:
In accordance with the Colorado Springs Parks System Master Plan recently completed in 2015, the City pursues a variety of park facilities and recreation opportunities for the Colorado Springs community. The Master Plan identifies a significant deficit of large developed community parks in the northern reaches of Colorado Springs. In 2005, the John Venezia Community Park site was identified as a priority for development; support for construction of the park was reiterated during the development of the 2015-2025 Parks System Master Plan public process.
In 2006 an exten...
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