Title
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING ACCEPTANCE OF A GRANT OF $350,000 FROM THE MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES OUTDOOR RECREATION GRANT PROGRAM TO SUPPORT IMPLEMENTATION OF THE HILLSIDE SPORT COURT PARK PLAN.
Body
CITY PROPOSAL:
WHEREAS, resolution 23-0617R authorized the approval and future implementation of the Hillside Sport Court Park Plan; and
WHEREAS, resolution 24-0164R authorized application to Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Outdoor Recreation Grant Program for a grant of up to $350,000 to support implementation of the Hillside Sport Court Park Plan.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the proper City officials are hereby authorized to execute the grant agreement, substantially in the form attached as Exhibit A, with the State of Minnesota to accept a grant of $350,000 from the Department of Natural Resources Outdoor Recreation Grant program to support implementation of the Hillside Sport Court Park Plan, with said funds to be deposited into fund 205-130-1220-4210-02-CM205-HILLSC-PIP (parks fund, community resources, parks capital, pass-thru Federal grants capital, capital maintenance fund 205, Hillside Sport Court Park, park implementation plan) .
FURTHER RESOLVED, the City of Duluth will meet the required match of $650,000 through funding from American Rescue Plan Act Revenue Replacement allocations and Parks Capital.
FURTHER RESOLVED, 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 acceptance of grant funds in an amount of $350,000 from the Outdoor Recreation Grant Program administered by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, to support implementation of the Hillside Sport Court Park Plan. The City will meet the required match of $650,000 with funding from American Rescue Plan Act Revenue Replacement allocations and Parks Capital.
Full implementation of the adopted Hillside Sport Court Park Plan calls for improved accessibility throughout the park, removal of a dilapidated building, installation of a pavilion and picnic area, renewal the sport court, replacement of the playground, improved parking, improved neighborhood connectivity, tree removal and replacement, repair or replacement of other park assets such as fencing, signage, bicycle racks, retaining walls, stairs, etc., and maintaining a balance between open green space and space for a community garden.
City Council previously passed three actions leading up to this resolution:
• August 23, 2023 passage of 23-0617R approving the Hillside Sport Court Plan.
• March 11, 2024 passage of 24-0164R authorizing application for this grant.
• August 12, 2024 passage of 24-0600R authorizing a contract to complete construction drawings for renewal of Hillside Sport Court.
Completing improvements at Hillside Sport Court is consistent with action item C7 in the Essential Spaces: Duluth Parks, Recreation, Trails & Open Space Plan, which calls for the development of a Hillside Sport Court Park Plan and to seek funding to support the implementation of the plan’s outcomes. Additionally, implementing the Hillside Sport Court Park Plan will forward six goals identified in the Essential Spaces Plan:
• Goal A. Increase park funding, in line with industry standards, to create and maintain a high-quality, four-season park system, that will effectively enhance the health and well-being of our community.
• Goal B. Invest strategically to decrease routine and long-term maintenance requirements, leverage outside funding, and support community-based priorities.
• Goal C. Balance maintenance, reinvestment, consolidation, and new construction of park infrastructure to meet current and future system needs within a sustainable budget framework.
• Goal G. Promote inclusion in our park spaces, facilities, and programs ensuring that all persons have equitable and appropriate access to our park and recreation system.
• Goal H. Activate parks spaces to support local, social, cultural, and economic advancement.
Likewise, implementing improvements to Hillside Sport Court Park will support the Imagine Duluth 2035 comprehensive plan, specifically making progress in alignment with:
• Guiding Principle #10 - Take actions that enhance the environment, economic, and social well-being of the community.
• Open Space Policy #3 - Remove barriers to accessing parks and open space.