Parks commission recommends $30,653 for four community park projects, conditions Allied Arts tree mitigation

The Richland Parks and Recreation Commission on March 27 recommended that city council award $30,653.22 from the Park Partnership program to four community projects, with a condition that the Allied Arts Association provide mitigation if a mature tree is removed as part of its sculpture garden installation.

The commission—s motion, made by Vice Chair Gutierrez and seconded by Commissioner Thalapalli, passed unanimously. Vice Chair Gutierrez read the motion stating the commission "recommends that the council approve $30,653.22 of funds towards the projects of the Tapteal Greenway, the Reach Foundation, the Tri City Kart Club, and the Allied Arts Association, with the clarification that the Allied Arts Association would provide mitigation for removal of the current tree." The motion was adopted with all commissioners voting in favor.

The Park Partnership program allocates annual matching grants from the city—s park reserve fund to community-led projects. Director Chris Waite told the commission the program typically secures $40,000 each year from the reserve fund and that grants are limited to reimbursing up to one-third of total…