Title
Resolution to Approve a Grant Application to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Grants Management for a Universal Access Playground at Gallup Park
Memorandum
Attached for your review and action is a resolution to approve a grant application to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Grants Management (MDNRGM) for a Universal Access Playground at Gallup Park.
The City of Ann Arbor Park System has 80 playgrounds. However, none are designed as Universal Access Playgrounds. Universal Access Playgrounds exceed ADA requirements and strive to be as inclusive as possible. Design and construction costs are higher than that of a playground that only needs to meet ADA code.
The City is fortunate to have the Ann Arbor Rotary Club as a partner in this project. In 2016 the Ann Arbor Rotary Club celebrates 100 years of service in the community and the Gallup Universal Access Playground is their chosen centennial project. The Rotary Club has committed to raising $250,000.00 toward the construction of the playground.
One of the main goals identified in the current Parks and Recreation Open Space Plan is to "achieve and maintain a balanced park, recreation, and open space system, accessible to all of the community." To do so, the following action is identified: "focus on providing play areas that are designed to allow disabled users greater opportunities."
The playground will replace an existing playground located near the far east parking lot and children's fishing pond. This playground is identified in the Capital Improvements Plan as needing renovation and in 2013 portions of it were closed for repairs. The Universal Access Playground will be located in the same general location.
The City contribution to the project will be $100,000.00 and is noted in the Capital Improvements Plan under Playgrounds and Neighborhood Park Improvements.
The preliminary budget estimate for the project is $500,000.00 and includes design, equipment, construction, and landscaping. Construction on the playground would commence in 2016 with a ground breaking anticipated around Memorial Day and a grand opening near Labor Day.
City staff and Rotary Club members presented to the Commission on Disabilities Issues on January 15, 2014 and the Park Advisory Commission on January 28, 2014 and both bodies support the project and applying for this grant. City staff recommends that the City apply to the MDNRGM for funding for the Universal Access Playground at Gallup Park.
Staff
Prepared by: Colin Smith, Parks and Recreation Services Manager
Reviewed by: Sumedh Bahl, Community Services Area Administrator
Approved by: Steven D. Powers, City Administrator
Body
Whereas, The City park system does not have a Universal Access Playground;
Whereas, The Park and Recreation Open Space Plan identifies an area of focus as providing play areas that are designed to allow disabled users greater opportunities;
Whereas, The playground at Gallup Park is in need of replacement;
Whereas, The City commitment to the project is $100,000.00 with funds available in the Park Maintenance and Capital Improvement Millage;
Whereas, The Rotary Club of Ann Arbor has committed $250,000.00 toward a Universal Access Playground in celebration of their upcoming centennial year in 2016; and
Whereas, Grants are available through the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Grants Management to assist in funding improvements such as this project;
RESOLVED, That City Council directs the City Administrator to apply to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Grants Management for a Universal Access Playground at Gallup Park and authorizes the City Administrator to execute all documents required for or incidental to the application process.