Title
Resolution of Support for the City of Colorado Springs Sponsorship of the School Yard Initiative Grant to Great Outdoors Colorado on Behalf of School District 11 and Will Rogers Elementary
Presenter:
Karen Palus - Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Director
Tilah Larson - Senior Grants Analyst
Body
Summary:
The Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Department proposes to sponsor a Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) School Yard Initiative grant application. The $110,000 grant application will assist with supporting the construction of unstructured play and outdoor learning facilities for youth. An Intergovernmental Agreement will define the roles and the responsibilities of the City and the District.
In many cases, schools will replace aging metal play sets, fields of pea gravel and cracking concrete slabs with nature-inspired climbing structures, soft all-weather surfaces, play and learning areas featuring natural materials like four-season sensory gardens, outdoor classrooms, or water features that can simulate floods and erosion. Projects can also include traditional play equipment to complement natural components and provide a variety of play opportunities.
The grant application will request $110,000 from GOCO and the required matching dollars will be raised by the school.
Previous Council Action:
N/A
Background:
GOCO’s School Yard Initiative aims to create school grounds that inspire more active physical play and enhance learning about nature and the environment. Because all School Yard Initiative projects are required to be open to the public during non-school hours, the benefits extend far beyond the student body.
School Yard Initiative grants support schools and local governments in constructing outdoor spaces where kids have frequent opportunities for unstructured play and outdoor learning. All school yards must be designed, in part, by the student population to ensure the components constructed are the most appealing and beneficial to the users they will serve. This program emphasizes projects that reach underserved youth and families who may otherwise have limited access to quality parks.
This item supports the City’s strategic goal relating to building community and collaborative relationships by supporting local schools in efforts that will benefit the school population as well as the community as a whole through access to the new playground facilities outside of school hours.
Financial Implications:
The City has agreed to sponsor the partner school as GOCO requires that a qualified government agency submit the application, and receive and disburse funds for this planning grant. No City funds are neither needed nor requested as part of this sponsorship application.
Board/Commission Recommendation:
The Park and Recreation Advisory Board voted in support of the sponsorship at their November 9, 2017 meeting.
Stakeholder Process:
GOCO requires that each school undertake a planning process with their students as part of the grant application. Each school has engaged the students they serve to ensure that the playground facility meets their needs and desires.
Alternatives:
City Council may choose not to pass a resolution supporting the grant application. Doing so would limit the ability of the school to apply for a GOCO School Yard Initiative grant.
Recommended Action
Proposed Motion:
Move approval of the resolution in support of the City’s sponsorship of the School Yard Initiatives Grant application to Great Outdoors Colorado on behalf of School District 11 and Will Rogers Elementary and the IGA between the City and School District 11.
Summary of Ordinance Language
N/A