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Muncie parks staff pursue NPRA/Pacers grant for Hickam Park court; youth job fair, NFL flag sign-ups underway
Summary
Park staff said the department advanced to final rounds for two grants that could fund a Hickam Park basketball-court renovation and lighting; staff also outlined youth employment and recreation programs scheduled for February through May.
Park staff told the Muncie Park and Recreation Board on Jan. 21 that the department advanced to final rounds for two competitive grant opportunities that could pay for a refurbished basketball court and new lighting at Hickam Park.
Shannon Powers, who briefed the board on grants, said Muncie has reached the final round for both a Pacers Foundation grant and a National Parks and Recreation Association award that includes Musco Lighting as a partner. She said the Pacers grant would fund a court refurbishment at Hickam Park and that the NPRA program is highly selective: "there's only five of them given across the nation," she said. NPRA is expected to notify applicants on Jan. 31, Powers said.
Why it matters: If awarded, these grants would fund capital improvements to a neighborhood facility and could reduce the need for local matching funds.
Staff also reported program and event items: Nikki, parks program staff, said the youth employment and resource fair was rescheduled for February at Minnetrista. The fair will include resume-building and "Dress for Success" workshops, a financial-literacy session run by Northwest Bank and employer booths for year-round youth employment opportunities. NFL flag football registration has opened for K-6 players; the league will cap participation at 120 players and will be held at Ball Corp, staff said.
On events at Prairie Creek, staff notified the board that the AMVETS Post 12 Catfish tournament was approved for May 25; board members discussed security and insurance requirements for large events.
Staff said the YMCA pool contract is under review and will be brought back to the board with legal input in February or March for approval. Separately, staff reported minor repairs after end-of-year vandalism at Tuohy pool and said they are considering upgraded cameras, sensor lighting and door locks to reduce future unauthorized access.
No grants were formally awarded at the meeting; staff are awaiting final NPRA and Pacers decisions and will report back when award letters are received.
