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Highlands commissioners update: playground fundraising hits $1.3 million goal; $350,000 remain to secure accessibility grant
Summary
Commissioners said the town has raised about $1.3 million toward a new park project and is $350,000 short of an accessibility-focused grant application; staff and volunteers are finalizing maps and application materials ahead of a March 3 deadline.
Commissioners reported progress on plans and fundraising for a proposed new park and playground, saying the town has assembled roughly $1.3 million in funding and remains about $350,000 short of the target needed for an accessibility grant application due in early March.
Commissioner comments at the Feb. 20 meeting credited Southwestern Commission grant writer Becca Scott and town staff member Carlton Wheatley for creating detailed site maps and satisfying application requirements. Commissioners said collaboration with disability-access specialists shaped design details intended to improve accessibility.
Commissioner discussion clarified that the accessibility grant under consideration is a separate program from a larger “PARTIFF” (or similarly named) grant the town had also pursued. The board said they are not pursuing that larger PART-type grant at this time and instead are seeking grants specifically focused on accessibility features; staff said the accessibility program opened a second application round, offering an opportunity to secure the remaining funds.
Town officials said they have solicited multiple bids and plan to evaluate different vendors for playground equipment; a Texas-based company that contacted the town has expressed interest. Commissioners said about four of eight units in the planned project already have reservations and that fundraising and grant completion remain priorities with a March 3 application deadline mentioned in the staff discussion.
Speakers who commented included commissioners involved with the parks effort and town staff coordinating grant materials. The board said they expect to finalize and submit the accessibility grant application and to continue private fundraising to close the remaining funding gap.
Speakers cited in this article: Commissioner (unnamed in transcript) who led park updates, Becca Scott (Southwestern Commission, consultant/grant writer), and Carlton Wheatley (town staff, mapping/plan support).
