STRATEGIC PRIORITY: Quality of Life, Arts & Culture
AGENDA DATE: May 24, 2023
COUNCIL DISTRICT(S): 7
DEPARTMENT: Park & Recreation Department
EXECUTIVE: John D. Jenkins
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SUBJECT
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Authorize an application for the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Local Parks Urban Outdoor Grant program up to an amount of $1,500,000.00 for the Community Park at Fair Park Phase One Project located within Fair Park - Financing: No cost consideration to the City
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BACKGROUND
This action will authorize an application for the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) Local Parks Urban Outdoor Grant program up to an amount of $1,500,000.00 for the Community Park at Fair Park Phase One project located within Fair Park
TPWD administers the Local Parks Urban Outdoor Grant. Funding for this program comes from a portion of the state sales tax on sporting goods through the Texas Recreation and Parks Account, the Texas Large County and Municipality Recreation and Parks Account, and from the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund.
The scoring criteria for this grant program includes development or the extension of parks; a locally adopted and department-approved park master plan, reduction of the threat to the public availability of a conservation or recreation opportunity, location in an underserved area; and involvement of public or private cooperation and meets the goals of TPWD Land and Water Resources Conservation and Recreation Plan.
The Community Park at Fair Park is designed as an 18-acre park within the boundaries of Fair Park in South Dallas. This long-awaited park will replace the former parking lot abutting Fitzhugh Avenue, Exposition Avenue, Pennsylvania Avenue, and Lagow Street. The Community Park at Fair Park is identified by the Dallas Park and Recreation Department as the candidate for this funding application due to the department’s input from the community, partnership with Fair Park First, and completion of a Master Plan outlining the Phase One development priorities.
The Dallas Park & Recreation Department is partnering with Fair Park First (FPF), who will construct the first phase of park with multi-use paths, a Central Lawn, and terraced gardens. FPF is providing the required matching funds through donations from its contributors. FPF will add picnic areas, a dog park, pavilion, outdoor fitness equipment, amphitheater, and other amenities in subsequent phases. The Community Park at Fair project will transform a large parking lot into a new gathering space for the community, while creating new opportunities for all of Dallas to enjoy a long-promised park that encourages recreation in an outdoor setting.
ESTIMATED SCHEDULE OF PROJECT
Acceptance of the grant, if awarded May - August 2024
Development Schedule May - August 2024
Community Engagement Continuous to June 2025
Construction on Phase One August 2024 to September 2027
Grant closeout & final reports October 2027
PRIOR ACTION/REVIEW (COUNCIL, BOARDS, COMMISSIONS)
On May 4, 2023, the Park and Recreation Planning Committee authorized the request for application to TPWD.
On May 18, 2023, the Park and Recreation Board will consider approving an application for TPWD Local Parks Urban Outdoor Grant Program for the Community Park at Fair Park Phase One Project.
FISCAL INFORMATION
This item has no cost consideration to the City. The Community Park at Fair Park Phase One Project will utilize grant funds received as a result of successful application to TPWD’s Local Parks Urban Outdoor Grant Program, and the matching funds as required by the grant program. The match is being provided by contributions to Fair Park First.
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