Title
Resolution to Approve a Land and Water Conservation Grant Application to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Grants Management for Improvements at the Buhr Park Ice Arena
Memorandum
Attached for your review and action is a resolution approving the submission of a grant application to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Grants Management (MDNRGM) for accessibility and sustainability improvements to the Buhr Park Ice Arena.
GRANT DESCRIPTION:
The Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) is a National Park Service grant that is administered in part through the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. The Land and Water Conservation Fund was established by Congress in 1964 to safeguard natural areas, water resources and cultural heritage, and to provide recreation opportunities to all Americans. Grant amounts range from $30,000 to $500,000 and require a 50% match from local funds.
BACKGROUND:
The Buhr Park ice arena is an outdoor covered rink, and one of two ice arenas owned by the City Parks, the other being Veterans Memorial Park ice arena. The Buhr Park arena is open November through February (weather permitting) and offers public ice skating, drop-in hockey and rental hours, and provides locker rooms, vending machines, restrooms and skate rentals and sharpening services.
The facility is located in the southeast part of the city which is characterized by higher racial diversity and lower median incomes. It is located adjacent to the Hikone neighborhood which is one of the Ann Arbor Housing Commission public housing communities, as well as the Hikone Community Center operated by the Community Action Network which provides support to families in need.
The Buhr Park ice arena functions as a neighborhood gathering place providing outdoor recreation opportunities at low cost during Michigan's long winter season. The ice arena has experienced increased usage since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic when community members sought w...
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