VIEW ROYAL PARK GRANT APPLICATION
A staff report seeking council's authorization to apply for a Community Recreation program grant for park implementation.
TOWN OF VIEW ROYAL COUNCIL REPORT
TO: Council DATE: November 9, 2011 FROM: Lindsay Chase MEETING DATE: November 15, 2011
VIEW ROYAL PARK GRANT APPLICATION
RECOMMENDATION:
THAT Council authorize staff to apply for a Community Recreation Program grant to facilitate the implementation of the View Royal Park Master Plan;
AND THAT the grant request focus on implementing the northern section of the park with the double pathway and the installation of an outdoor exercise equipment circuit with an estimated total cost of $526,548.00;
AND FURTHER THAT the Town allocate it's 20% contribution of $105,310.00 from the funds included in the 2012-2015 Budget for View Royal Park.
CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER'S COMMENTS:
I concur with the recommendation.
DEPARTMENT COMMENTS:
DIRECTOR OF FINANCE'S COMMENTS:
I concur with the recommendation.
DIRECTOR OF ENGINEERING AND PARK'S COMMENTS:
I concur with the recommendation.
PURPOSE OF REPORT:
To seek Council support for a grant application to facilitate the implementation of the View Royal Park Master Plan.
TIME CRITICAL:
Grant applications are due by December 28, 2011.
BACKGROUND:
Council approved the View Royal Park Master Plan in July of 2010. The plan was completed on the basis of an extended time horizon for implementation, taking into account the limited financial ability to undertake a multimillion dollar project. In the 2011 Budget year, funds were budgeted to complete hydrological and drainage works, and to bring water and electrical services into the park. A Budget request for the 2012 budget would have included funds to complete the community garden component of the park.
With the recent announcement of grants to support communities in creating recreational facilities, and with a grant focus on community health, staff recommend that the timeline for park implementation be altered to move up the off leash improvements, installation of a double trail and installation of a fitness circuit component of the plan, subject to a successful grant application.
PROJECT INFORMATION:
The View Royal Park Master Plan includes order of magnitude costs for various components of the Plan. Pages 35-37 of the plan outline these costs. The focus of the grant application will be on:
| Component | Cost |
|---|---|
| Cut and fill off leash area | $275,400.00 |
| New Lawn Off Leash Area | $50,368.00 |
| Trail Construction | $188,780.00 |
| Fitness Stations | $12,000.00 |
| Total | $526,548.00 |
Not included is the landscaping and plantings associated with this phase of work, and Council will need to consider budgeting for these items in future years.
Based on the grant requirements, the Town will need to complete detailed design drawings for the project in 2012 and then in 2013, work will commence on implementing this phase of the park plan.
BUDGET IMPLICATIONS:
The grant requires that the municipality fund 20% of the project. Based on the order of magnitude costs, the Town's share of the project would be $105,310.00. This amount is not inconsistent with earlier discussions with Council about a consistent funding amount of $100,000.00 per year for Park Plan implementation. The 5 year capital plan includes $100,000 each year for the next 4 years (2012-2015) for Park Plan improvements.
The grant requires that the project be completed by March 2015. This may provide Council an opportunity to split the Town's contribution over two budget years.
POLICY IMPLICATIONS:
The grant application is consistent with the intent to fully implement the View Royal Park Master Plan as adopted. It is also consistent with Strategic Plan direction to promote active and healthy lifestyles, well serviced neighbourhoods and the financial sustainability and stewardship of municipal assets.
SUSTAINABILITY CONSIDERATIONS:
Implementation of the Park Plan contributes greatly to the social sustainability of the Town. The availability of recreational facilities close to where people live encourages active lifestyles. Based on the information gathered when the Park Plan was created, we know that the area os heavily used by dog walkers, and the refurbishment of the field and walking circuits will benefit the dog walking group, and will also create a safe space for runners and walkers that minimizes the potential for negative human/dog interactions.
ALTERNATIVES TO STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
If Council does not wish to alter the implementation schedule for View Royal Park an appropriate alternate recommendation would be to not proceed with a grant application at this time.
RECOMMENDATION:
THAT Council authorize staff to apply for a Community Recreation Program grant to facilitate the implementation of the View Royal Park Master Plan;
AND THAT the grant request focus on implementing the northern section of the park with the double pathway and the installation of an outdoor exercise equipment circuit with an estimated total cost of $526,548.00;
AND FURTHER THAT the Town allocate $105,310.00 in the 2012 budget as the Town's contribution to the project (20% contribution).
SUBMITTED BY:
Lindsay Chase, Director of Development Services
REVIEWED BY:
Kim Anema, Chief Administrative Officer
Attachment:
View Royal Park Master Plan, 2010
Document Images
(4)
