Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Parks Accessibility topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Clinton council approves application for ADA-accessible playground and splash pad at Newkirk Park
Summary
City council voted unanimously to adopt a resolution supporting an application for North Carolina's Accessible Parks Grant to build an ADA-accessible playground and splash pad at Newkirk Park; project estimated at about $600,000'$610,000 with a possible $500,000 grant request requiring a local match.
The Clinton City Council voted unanimously to adopt a resolution supporting an application for North Carolina's Accessible Parks Grant to construct an ADA-accessible playground and splash pad at Newkirk Park.
The recreation and parks director told the council the state program totals $12.5 million in matching grants and allows applicants to request up to $500,000 per application; applicants must provide at least $1 in local funds for every $5 in grant funds. The proposed Newkirk project is estimated at roughly $600,000 to $610,000; staff said they would seek the maximum $500,000 grant and fill the remaining $100,000 to $120,000 with other grants, local funds, or donations.
Brook Miller, speaking on behalf of the Recreation and Parks Board, urged council approval, saying the facility would be the first of its kind in Sampson County and would bring accessible play and social opportunities to local children. "Right now, the nearest ADA compliant splash pad and playground is 45 miles away," Miller said, arguing that a local facility would reduce travel barriers for families of children with disabilities and create inclusive play opportunities.
Council discussion emphasized community benefits and the project's proximity to downtown and an elementary school; council members and staff also noted that the city hosts a K'5 autism school and that the new facility could be used for school field trips. Recreation and public works staff said the project would include adaptive swings, sensory play elements, wheelchair-accessible ramps and an accessible splash pad surface.
Council members approved the motion to apply for the grant by voice vote; the motion passed unanimously. The resolution authorizes staff to submit the application and pursue complementary funding if the grant award requires a local match.
Staff afterward spoke about recent and planned parks improvements, including in-ground irrigation work starting Monday on three baseball fields and continued maintenance guided by the Recreation Advisory Board. The council and staff said they will pursue additional funding sources if the grant is awarded.
