Agenda

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City Council Regular Meeting

Meeting Date:

07/09/2019

BACKGROUND

The City of Schertz has been awarded a 100% matching grant through the TRAPS – GameTime Statewide Funding Initiative for a playscape structure for Heritage Oaks Park. Council approved staff to submit an application on April 23, 2019 (Resolution 19-R-50.) The City of Schertz was one of 25 grants awarded throughout the state and our playscape structure was awarded two national demonstration site designations: “NatureGrounds” and the “PlayOn! Promoting Physical Activity.”

Staff worked with GameTime to select and customize a playground structure for the site and the cost of that unit is $63,585.00. (The minimum requirement for the playscape structure for the 100% matching grant was $60,000.) The city’s cash match is $31,792.50. Not included in the grant was an accessory swing set and spinning sensory wave seat that were added to the project to receive the PlayOn! Designation and those totaled $2,705.00. Geotextile rolls for the safety surfacing base, the GameTime owner’s kit, and freight totaled an additional $3,105.34.

Installation and safety surfacing costs are not included in the grant and total $38,455.16. City staff was considering installing the equipment in-house but due to the timing requirements related to the grant and other project commitments (the concurrent trail project in the same park) staff has decided to contract out the installation. The city’s cash match and the associated installation costs will be funded out of the 2018 CO Bonds set aside for Parks. City staff already had plans to install an accessible route (currently a natural surface trail) and will combine those efforts with this effort.

GOAL

The goal is to capitalize on this grant funding opportunity and leverage the city's limited funds to add a playscape feature to Heritage Oaks Park.

COMMUNITY BENEFIT

Currently Heritage Oaks Park has a natural surface trail, 2 picnic tables with trash cans, and 2 benches. The only other playscape in southern Schertz is located across the busy FM 1518 in the Rhine Valley neighborhood, so this playscape will be a popular addition to The Crossvine and Sedona neighborhoods.

SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDED ACTION

Staff recommends accepting the 100% matching grant opportunity through the TRAPS-GameTime Statewide Funding Initiative and purchasing the playground equipment. Staff also recommends contracting out the installation of the unit and the associated safety surfacing needed to meet grant completion deadlines.

FISCAL IMPACT

Leveraging the limited funds available in the Park Fund with matching grant opportunities allows city staff to maximize the recreational amenities we can provide to our residents. 100% match opportunities are few and far between and so staff wants to capitalize on the opportunity. Funds from the 2018 CO Bonds designated for Parks will be used to cover the match for the equipment cost as well as the freight, installation, and safety surfacing needed to complete the project. The total purchase for this playground unit with associated installation costs is $76,058.00.

RECOMMENDATION

Attachments
Resolution 19-R-73
TRAPS Funding Initiative
Quote Playscape Unit
Quote Installation
Playscape Rendering
Resolution 19-R-50 signed