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Ordinance Making Supplemental Appropriation in the Amount of $20,000 to the Special Purpose Fund for the National Recreation and Parks Association and Nike, Inc. Gender Equity in Youth Sports Grant
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Department: |
Parks & Recreation |
Meeting Date: |
3/4/2025 |
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Contact Name: |
Amy Beatty |
Public Hearing: |
No |
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Contact Phone: |
910-341-5838 |
Advertising Date/Advertised By: |
N/A |
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Attachments: |
Attachment #1: Ordinance Attachment #2: NRPA Memorandum of Understanding |
PURPOSE:
The purpose of this ordinance is to appropriate grant funding awarded by the National Recreation and Parks Association (“NRPA”) and Nike, Inc. to implement a young women’s sports program. The program will be delivered by the Wilmington Parks and Recreation Department, and is intended to promote greater participation by girls in sports.
BACKGROUND:
Historically, the Wilmington Parks and Recreation Department’s youth athletics programs have been offered as coed programs. Registration by girls is typically around 20% of the overall youth participation. Participation in some girls’ sports at the middle and high school levels is so low that, at times, Williston Middle School and New Hanover High School, two schools located close to Robert Strange Park where many of the City’s recreation programs are held, have been unable to field teams in certain sports.
NRPA is managing the administration of the Gender Equity in Youth Sports grant program, funded by Nike, Inc. Grant funds are intended to support local park and recreation agencies and community-based organizations as they advance equitable access to youth sports.
The Wilmington Parks and Recreation Department applied for and has been awarded the NRPA Gender Equity in Sports Grant to support clinics and a week-long camp for girls in the summer of 2025 centered around lacrosse, volleyball, softball, basketball, and soccer. The funds will be used to hire coaches and purchase equipment for each sport.
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BUDGET IMPACT:
Funding for this program is available through a $20,000 grant award from the National Recreation and Park Association through Nike, Inc. No local match is required.
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RECOMMENDATION / ACTION REQUESTED:
Staff are requesting approval to appropriate $20,000 from the NRPA/Nike, Inc. Gender Equity in Sports Grant to support summer 2025 clinics and a camp centered on five sports for local girls.