Council approves submission of $85,000 Blue Cross grant application to redesign Alameda Park

The Pocatello City Council authorized staff to submit an $85,000 grant application to the Blue Cross of Idaho Foundation for Health to support a community engagement process, design, and potential implementation activities at Alameda Park. The motion to approve the grant submission and, if awarded, accept the grant and authorize the mayor to sign relevant documents was made by Council Member Mangum and seconded by Council President Lyric; the council approved the motion by roll call.

Christine Howe, the city's grants manager, described the Blue Cross Community Project program. She said selected communities work with Blue Cross staff to conduct outreach and design work for a neighborhood park site; the award includes $85,000 to support design and some implementation such as new benches, pavilion work or playground upgrades. Howe said city staff identified Alameda Park in coordination with Parks and Recreation staff as a priority site that has been due for amenities upgrades.

Howe said Blue Cross would bring a team to Pocatello during the summer to run outreach and design activities, and that the grant could leave some funds for immediate upgrades depending on design outcomes. The motion includes authority for the mayor to accept the grant and sign documents subject to legal review if the award is made.