Council authorizes town to submit intent to apply for $800,000 LWCF grant for skate park

The Bedford Town Council on June 11 authorized the town manager to submit an intent‑to‑apply form for the New Hampshire Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) state and local assistance grant for a proposed $800,000 skateboard park project.

Town Manager Rick Sawyer told the council the LWCF grant would provide 50% of project costs and requires a local match; community funds already raised by the Rebuild Bedford Skate Park group and other fundraising can count toward the town’s match, including expenditures up to three years prior to application. Sawyer said the intent‑to‑apply is a required preliminary step; final application follows only if the state invites the town to apply. He said the review and application process could take roughly 18 months and that funds, if awarded, likely would not be available until 2026 or 2027.

Councilors asked whether the town would be obligated to accept a grant if offered; staff said the council would need to vote to accept any award and determine how to provide the 50% match (fundraising, capital reserves or other sources). Councilor Gail Levesque noted the March warrant article to fund the skate park had failed and asked whether pursuing the grant would bypass voters; Sawyer and others said the town retains discretion to accept or decline any awarded grant and that the council would address funding sources at that later point.

Councilor Michael Strand moved to authorize submission of the LWCF intent‑to‑apply form and to continue discussions with state staff; Councilor Bask (alt spelling in transcript) seconded. Chair Radke called the vote and the motion passed 7‑0.