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Council backs fundraising and grant push to supplement $100,000 RAPS award for Legacy Park parking
Summary
Councilors confirmed support for pursuing grants and fundraising to supplement a $100,000 RAPS award toward Legacy Park infrastructure, focusing initial spending on a parking lot and sidewalks; staff plans multiple grant applications and fundraising meetings to secure matching funds.
Council members approved staff’s plan to pursue multiple grants and fundraising to supplement the $100,000 RAPS award that Mendon received for Legacy Park. The mayor and staff emphasized that the RAPS award must be used for eligible infrastructure and that the immediate priority is parking and pedestrian access.
Why it matters: The full parking and infrastructure package is estimated at about $242,000 for the parking lot and additional sidewalks; the RAPS award covers part of the cost and must be spent before the program deadline. Staff presented a phased plan that prioritizes curb, gutter and asphalt for the parking area and then seeks grants to complete sidewalks, restrooms and active amenities.
Grant strategy and fundraising: Margie and staff described five grant sources they plan to pursue beginning January 13 (CPR grants and others) plus local fundraising and in‑kind contributions. CPR applications can match RAPS funding and offer significant awards; LWCF and other federal grants were identified as future options. Staff recommended using the RAPS award as part of a match package and phasing construction so site work and parking can be completed first.
Council response and next steps: Council authorized staff to proceed with grant applications and directed the clerk to include a survey/QR code in the water bill mailing to increase resident engagement for projects. Staff will prepare grant applications, continue fundraising efforts, and bring back specifics on matching requirements and timelines.
Ending: With council support, staff will apply for the outlined grants and pursue fundraising to supplement the RAPS award and deliver the parking and initial infrastructure for Legacy Park within the grant timeline.
