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 an application to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Grants Management (MDNRGM) to design and construct a Universally Accessible Playground at Gallup Park.
An application was submitted in 2014 and came extremely close to an award. The application scored 370 points, and all projects that scored 380 points or higher were awarded grants. Overall, 119 projects submitted applications and the Gallup project ranked 21st out of all submissions. As a result, staff and the Rotary Club wish to resubmit the application. Presently there is not another project the City would apply for in this grant cycle.
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. These playgrounds include ramp systems, specially designed playground structures, and wheelchair accessible safety surfacing that makes the design and construction costs higher than that of a standard playground.
The City is fortunate to have the Rotary Club of Ann Arbor as a partner in this project. In 2016 the Rotary Club of Ann Arbor celebrates 100 years of service in the community and the Gallup Universal Access Playground is their chosen centennial project. The Rotary Club, in a funding partnership agreement, has committed to raising $350,000.00 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 g...
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