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RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING APPLICATION TO THE MINNESOTA RECREATION AND PARKS FOUNDATION FOR UP TO $4,000 FROM THE NEW INITIATIVE GRANT PROGRAM FOR PROGRAM EQUIPMENT.
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CITY PROPOSAL:
RESOLVED, that the proper city officials are hereby authorized to submit an application to the Minnesota Recreation and Parks Foundation for up to $4,000 from the New Initiative Grant Program for program equipment.
FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City has the legal authority to apply for financial assistance, and the institutional, managerial, and financial capability to ensure proper planning and maintenance of the program. If the grant is awarded, the City will meet the required match through staff time for implementation of the program.
FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Duluth City Council names the fiscal agent for this project as Jen Carlson, City of Duluth Finance Director, 411 West First Street, Duluth, MN 55802.
Statement of Purpose
STATEMENT OF PURPOSE: This resolution authorizes City of Duluth officials to submit a grant application to the Minnesota Recreation and Parks Foundation for up to $4,000 from the New Initiative Grant Program for program equipment. The equipment will support the development of a new initiative by Parks and Recreation for guided discovery, appreciation, and stewardship of natural resources through trout fishing of local streams. If the grant is awarded, the City will meet the required match through staff time for implementation of the initiative.
The new initiative will be an innovative approach to a fishing program, foster a sense of place, and promote connections to nature. The programs will incorporate fishing skill development, and take place across Duluth utilizing the City’s 16 designated trout streams. By offering programs throughout Duluth at no-to-low cost to participants, and using creativity about the physical accessibility of spaces, the new initiative will reduce barriers to outdoor recreation.
Through community engagement during the Essential Spaces: Duluth Parks, Recreation, Open Space & Trails Plan development, the highest priority for activity offerings by Parks and Recreation was “free outdoor skills and outdoor educational programs.” Creation of this new program directly supports this community priority and furthers goals set forth in Essential Spaces, including Goal D: provide equitable, high-quality outdoor education and programming that encourages meaningful connections with nature in park spaces, and Goal G: promote inclusion in our park spaces, facilities, and programs ensuring that all persons have equitable and appropriate access to our parks and recreation system.