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Plantation council backs application for grant to repair Volunteer Park bridges
Summary
The council approved a resolution supporting a Florida Recreational Trails Project grant application to repair the Y Bridge (priority) and preserve the Island Bridge at Volunteer Park; staff said a budget contingency would be used if the grant is not received.
The Plantation City Council on Feb. 26 voted to support a Florida Recreational Trails Project grant application to repair and preserve the timber bridges at Volunteer Park, with repair of the Y Bridge declared the top priority.
Trish O’Toole, the city’s parks and recreation director, told the council the grant application focuses first on the Y Bridge at the equestrian area because the wetlands context makes that a higher priority for preservation. “The main goal is to save them both. But first priority will be the Y Bridge. And if we don't get the grant, hopefully there'll be additional funds in the budget to move forward,” O’Toole said.
Assistant City Administrator Carol Morris said the grant application process is similar to other state and MPO grants: the city will be ranked and notified toward the end of the year if funding is awarded. Morris and O’Toole said the city has budgeted some funds as a contingency if the application is unsuccessful; O’Toole said the city could reapply in 2027 for the Island Bridge if necessary.
Members of the public and neighborhood groups urged the council to approve the resolution. Donna McCormack of Plantation Acres thanked O’Toole for attending the neighborhood meeting and said residents strongly support preservation. Lisa Hampton, a member of the parks advisory group, and Laurie Bernardi, a longtime parks advocate, said Volunteer Park’s trails and bridges are unique attractions and urged immediate action.
The council voted to approve the resolution of support for the grant application by roll call.
Staff said the grant scope will include design alternatives and community input on bridge aesthetics and noted the project will coordinate with state and MPO requirements for Florida Recreational Trails funding.
