title
Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to Apply for a $235,200 Grant from the North Carolina Accessible Parks Grant Program to Replace the Outdoor Playground at the Fit For Fun Center with an ADA Accessible Playground
body
Department:
Parks and Recreation
Meeting Date:
February 4, 2025
Contact Name:
Amy Beatty
Public Hearing:
No
Contact Phone:
910-341-5838
Advertising Date/Advertised By:
N/A
Attachments:
Attachment #1: Resolution
Attachment #2: Playground Rendering
PURPOSE:
The purpose of this resolution is to request approval to apply for $235,200 from the North Carolina Accessible Parks Grant Program to support the replacement of the outdoor playground at the Fit For Fun Center.
BACKGROUND:
The Fit For Fun Center, located at 302 S. 10th Street, is a Parks and Recreation facility where children ages 0-5 and their families are offered a diverse range of structured activities, programs, and special events throughout the year. The center includes a large outdoor play area featuring a playground, slides, tunnels, and various ride-on-toys, and it is heavily utilized for special events.
Fit For Fun's outdoor playground was installed in 2002. Modern outdoor playgrounds are recommended to be replaced 15-20 years after installation, depending on the playground's volume of use. The Fit For Fun Center's outdoor playground is approaching 23 years in age and has a comparatively high volume of use. It is also not currently fully ADA accessible.
The Accessible Parks Grant Program provides $12.5 million in matching grants for parks and recreation to benefit people living with disabilities in North Carolina. Local governments, including public authorities, are eligible to apply. This program is administered through the Division of Parks and Recreation and the North Carolina Parks and Recreation Trust Fund. The grants can be used for the construction of special facilities or adaptation of existing facilities. Each applicant must match the grant with at le...
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