Sandy board authorizes letter supporting Travel Oregon grant to make Meining Park paths ADA-compliant

The Sandy Parks and Trails Advisory Board authorized a letter of support for a Travel Oregon grant application that would fund ADA-compliant reconstruction of pathways at Meining Park.

Rochelle, presenting the grant proposal, said the city will apply for $141,356 from Travel Oregon to reconstruct roughly one mile of trails at Meining Park to meet Americans with Disabilities Act standards and improve barrier-free access. "We will be asking for a $141,356 for this grant," she said.

Rochelle said the total estimated cost of the phase 1 project is about $942,000. Phase 1 would focus on reconstructing deteriorated and mis-graded trails, rerouting sections to meet ADA-grade requirements, making three small shelters ADA accessible (they currently have steps), electrical upgrades and work on the upper parking lot. Replacement of the playground and adding a restroom were described as later, second-phase items tied to a future biennium budget.

Rochelle told the board that Travel Oregon’s program emphasizes increased access and inclusion and that the city does not have a required cash match for this grant; however, staff expects to use system development charges and future budget requests to cover local costs if the project proceeds. When asked about timing, she said the larger elements beyond the trail work would be pursued in the next biennium and that the board could advocate for those elements in the budget process.

Board members voted to authorize the chair to sign a letter of support. The board’s authorization permits staff to include the board’s support in the Travel Oregon application; final funding will depend on Travel Oregon’s award decisions and subsequent city budgeting for the larger reconstructed elements.