Title
Resolution to Approve Three Grant Applications to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Environment to Make Improvements to the Gallup Park Livery, to Upgrade the Boat Launches at Gallup Park and Argo Park, and to Construct a Skatepark at Veteran's Memorial Park
Memorandum
Attached for your review and action is a resolution to approve three grant applications to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Environment (MDNRE).
Staff is proposing to apply to the MDNRE's Michigan Natural Trust Fund for two grants, one for improvements to the Gallup Livery and Park and the other for the proposed Skate Park at Veteran's Memorial Park. The proposed third grant application is to MDNRE's Waterway Grant-in-Aid to upgrade the boat launches at Gallup and Argo Park.
Gallup Park is one of the most popular destinations in Washtenaw County, and the Livery is the largest in the State of Michigan. The Livery is located on Geddes Pond and the Huron River. This public waterway serves residents and visitors as a destination for boating, fishing and environmental education. Fishing activities, boat rentals, camps and programs are popular among youth and adults.
The level and type of use at Gallup Park has increased tremendously over the years such that the current facilities are inadequate resulting in operational challenges and a potential safety hazard between vehicular and non-vehicular traffic in the service drive.
Additionally, the meeting room at Gallup has poor ventilation, way-finding signs at the park are unclear making it difficult for park patrons to locate park amenities and much of the facility is not barrier-free.
The first grant application to the MDNRE Trust Fund is for improvements to Gallup Livery and Park. Parks and Recreation Services has a goal of making the Livery and adjoining facilities accessible to as many people as possible, as well as to improve the usability and safety of the facility. The Livery has received grants in the past to provide programs for users with disabilities. The proposed physical improvements would enable the Livery to expand programming for users with disabilities. The proposed improvements include barrier free paths to the docks, as well as barrier free docks and fishing facilities, expansion and modification of the patio area to create barrier free outdoor seating and to separate these areas from the pedestrian circulation, sliding glass doors for the meeting room that would allow for events and camps to take advantage of the scenic views and fresh air, redesign of the park entry so that there is a separation between the service drive and the pedestrian pathway, improved way finding signage that would clarify for both pedestrians and vehicles where the amenities in the park are located, and upgrades to the heating system and lighting that would improve energy efficiency.
The second grant application through the Waterways Grant-In-Aid for Infrastructure Improvements is to upgrade the boat launches at both Gallup and Argo Parks. The launches at both sites no longer meet the specifications of the MDNRE and they have requested that the facilities be upgraded to rectify deficiencies, including changing the alignment of the pathway adjacent to the ramp to increase visibility for safety, rebuilding the ramp to eliminate gaps, adding signage to direct traffic and display rules, improving parking, and providing barrier free accessibility to the dock adjacent to the ramp.
Matching funding in the amount of $300,000 for the Gallup Livery Improvements and $100,000 for the boat launches is available from the Park Maintenance and Capital Improvements Millage.
Staff is also proposing to apply for a grant to the MDNRE's Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund for the proposed Skatepark at Veteran's Memorial Park. The project mission is to provide a free, public, concrete Skatepark as a permanent resource for residents in the Ann Arbor area. City Council approved a Memorandum of Intent with the Friends of the Ann Arbor Skatepark in January, 2009 that delineates the responsibilities of both parties. The City has designated a parcel of land at Veteran's Memorial Park for construction of the Skatepark. The City is not required to provide any direct funding for the Skatepark. However, the City has continued to assist the Friends of the Ann Arbor Skate Park in their efforts to raise funds to build the Skatepark. Therefore, staff is proposing to apply for this grant as MDNRE awards grants to the local units of government only. The Washtenaw County Parks & Recreation Commission has pledged financial support for the project and will be providing matching funds in the amount of $400,000 for this grant.
Staff
Prepared by: Amy Kuras, Landscape Architect II
Reviewed by: Colin Smith, Parks & Recreation Services Manager, Sumedh Bahl, Community Services Area Administrator
Body
Whereas, Grants are available through the Department of Natural Resources and Environment (MDNRE) Trust Fund and Waterways Grant-in-Aid to implement improvements to park recreation facilities;
Whereas, The City of Ann Arbor Parks and Recreation has received significant funding in the past for projects in the park system;
Whereas, Improvements to the Gallup Park Canoe Livery will benefit the operation, safety and usability of the facility and the grant would help to fund the project;
Whereas, Upgrades to the boat launches at Gallup and Argo Parks would improve the safety and usability of those facilities as well as bring them into compliance with the MDNRE requirements;
Whereas, Matching funds for improvements at the Gallup Park Canoe Livery and boat launches at Gallup and Argo are available through the Park Maintenance and Capital Improvement Millage;
Whereas, The Friends of the Ann Arbor Skatepark are in the process of raising monies to build the Skatepark pursuant to the Memorandum of Intent with the City; and
Whereas, The City has assisted the Friends of the Ann Arbor Skatepark in its effort to raise the money;
RESOLVED, That City Council approves applications to the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund and the Waterways Grant-in-Aid through the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Environment for improvements to Gallup and Argo Parks and for the construction of the Skatepark at Veteran's Memorial Park; and
RESOLVED, That City Council directs staff to prioritize the Ann Arbor Skatepark grant application to the MDNRE Trust Fund ahead of the Gallup Livery and Park application.
As Amended by Ann Arbor City Council on March 21, 2011