Title
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING ACCEPTANCE OF A CONNECTING PEOPLE TO THE OUTDOORS TRACK WHEELCHAIR GRANT IN THE AMOUNT OF $14,280 THROUGH THE GREATER MINNESOTA REGIONAL PARKS AND TRAILS COMMISSION TO EXPAND RECREATIONAL ACCESS TO DULUTH PARKS AND TRAILS
Body
CITY PROPOSAL:
BE IT RESOLVED, that the proper City officials are hereby authorized to accept and execute a Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails Commission grant contract agreement with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A, for funding not to exceed $14,280, with said funds to be deposited into fund 205-130-1219-4220-01 (Parks Fund - Community Resources - Parks Operating - State of Minnesota Capital) to fund the purchase of a track wheelchair.
FURTHER RESOLVED, the City of Duluth has the legal authority to accept these funds and the financial, technical, and managerial capacity to ensure proper maintenance of the track wheelchair.
FURTHER RESOLVED, the required match of $500 will be provided from the Parks Fund.
FURTHER RESOLVED, the Duluth City Council names the fiscal agent for this project as Jen Carlson, City of Duluth Finance Director, 411 West 1st Street, Duluth, Minnesota 55802.
Statement of Purpose
STATEMENT OF PURPOSE: This resolution authorizes acceptance of a $14,280 grant from the Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails Commission (GMRPTC) through the Regional Legacy Connecting People to the Outdoors Track Wheelchair grant program to expand recreational access to Duluth parks and trails. A track wheelchair is an off-road-capable, power wheelchair that traverses trails, snow, and sand, allowing users to explore areas that traditional wheelchairs might not reach. The City will promote, facilitate, and coordinate public use of the chair in collaboration with Hartley Nature Center, and additional nonprofit community partners, such as Courage Kenny and ARC Northland.
The grant was specifically created for the purpose of providing a successful applicant with up to $14,280 towards the purchase of a track wheelchair for use at designated Greater Minnesota Regional facilities. Duluth has four designated facilities including Hartley Park, Spirit Mountain Recreation Area, the Duluth Traverse and the Duluth Winnipeg Pacific (DWP) Trail, and Waabizheshikana: the Marten Trail. The chair will also be utilized at additional locations for Duluth Parks and Recreation programming as well. The chair will be available free of charge.
The GRMPTC has secured a discounted price of $14,780 plus tax for the purchase of a track wheelchair from Action Manufacturing/Midwest Trackchair. The chair will be equipped with attendant control, a cup holder, and a fishing rod holder. The City of Duluth will provide a match of at least $500 through parks operating funds.
Acquiring a track wheelchair will increase access to Duluth parks and trails for individuals with mobility limitations. Improving access directly supports the implementation of the Essential Spaces: Duluth Parks, Recreation, Open Space & Trails Plan that was adopted in October 2022 by promoting inclusion in park spaces, facilities, and programs ensuring that all persons have equitable and appropriate access to the park and recreation system (Goal G). A track wheelchair also offers an opportunity to remove barriers to accessing parks and open space, which the Imagine Duluth 2035 Plan identifies as a policy (Open Space Policy #3).