Newton officials discuss phasing, CDBG application for proposed theme-park improvements

The Newton City Commission received an update on a proposed amendment to the interlocal agreement for the Damien Park theme-park project and on a plan to apply for Community Development Block Grant funding that would pay for a portion of initial construction and design work.

City staff said the project will be formally phased so the city and partners can seek a CDBG award for phase 1, which staff said would likely include engineering and design, bathrooms, pickleball courts and basketball courts; lighting remains under discussion for whether it will be included in phase 1 or delayed to a later phase. Daniela, a city staff member working with project partners, said the original project budget was $2,000,000 with $1,800,000 intended to be raised or committed before moving forward.

Why it matters: the Commission must amend the existing interlocal agreement to reflect phased work and funding requirements before a CDBG application can be submitted. A CDBG award would reduce the amount private fundraising must cover but requires the city and its partners to show how the work will be split into phases and how local matching funds will be provided.

Details from the staff update and discussion - Proposed CDBG request: roughly…