Title
Resolution to Approve a Partnership Agreement with the Michigan Recreation and Park Association, Accept a Grant for $38,000.00 and Appropriate Funds (8 Votes Required)
Memorandum
Attached for your review and action is a resolution to approve a partnership agreement with the Michigan Recreation and Park Association (MRPA) and to accept and appropriate $38,000.00 in funding into the Major Grants Fund.
In 2014 the MRPA was one of a handful of agencies in the State of Michigan that was awarded funding from the newly established Michigan Health Endowment Fund. The Fund was created through the passage of Public Act 4 of 2013, which authorized certain changes to how Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan (BCBSM) operates in the state. The law requires BCBSM to contribute funds over 18 years to the Michigan Health Endowment Fund.
In December of 2014, the Michigan Health Endowment Fund (MHEF) awarded the MRPA $1.1 million to improve the health of Michigan citizens, especially youth and seniors, by enhancing and capitalizing on the state’s public parks and recreation system. One goal of the grant is to have Michigan’s citizens think of public parks and recreation facilities as places to become fit, active and healthy.
Under the grant, MRPA will provide materials/resources, tools, staffing and other support as necessary to local parks and recreation agencies for health and fitness programs/activities targeted at youth, families and seniors, and economically disadvantaged groups. The MRPA is seeking agencies interested in participating as a pilot program. The City was successful in submitting a grant application in the amount of $38,000.00 for programs that highlight the beneficial role our park and recreation facilities play in improving fitness and health. Participation by the City in this program will highlight the role that Ann Arbor’s parks play in the health and well being of our community members.
Programs will include a teen camp, senior exercise classes and a program called Pathway to Our Parks that will introduce scholarship recipients to the many recreational opportunities the parks afford. These programs are expected to begin in the winter of 2016.
Participation in this program will help achieve multiple Sustainability Goals:
• Engaged Community
• Human Services
• Active Living and Learning
Staff
Prepared by: Colin Smith, Manager of Parks and Recreation Services
Reviewed by: Sumedh Bahl, Community Services Area Administrator
Approved by: Steven D. Powers, City Administrator
Body
Whereas, The Michigan Recreation and Parks Association (MRPA) is one of only a handful of agencies in the State of Michigan that was awarded funding from the newly established Michigan Health Endowment Fund;
Whereas, The MRPA is seeking agencies interested in participating as a pilot program;
Whereas, The City was successful in submitting an application to participate in the pilot program, and was awarded a grant in the amount of $38,000.00 to fund programs that highlight the role that Ann Arbor’s parks play in the health and well-being of our community members; and
Whereas, Programs funded through this grant will include senior fitness classes, enhanced offerings for scholarship recipients, and highlight our existing teen camp;
RESOLVED, That City Council accept the Michigan Recreation and Park Association Grant,
RESOLVED, That City Council appropriate, when received, the awarded grant funding in the amount of $38,000.00, establishing a grant revenue and expenditure budget in the Parks & Recreation Services General Fund to be expended without regard to fiscal year;
RESOLVED, The City Council approve accepting potential additional funding from MRPA, should funds become available, and appropriate this funding upon receipt into the Major Grants Fund to be expended without regard to fiscal year; and
RESOLVED, That the Mayor and City Clerk be authorized and directed to execute the agreement after approval as to substance by the City Administrator and approval as to form by the City Attorney.