Casper staff seek council approval to apply for LWCF grant to fund Washington Park Phase 4 improvements

Casper parks staff asked the City Council for permission to submit a Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) grant application to support Phase 4 improvements at Washington Park, primarily focusing on the west-side sledding hill and adjacent open space.

Parks staff described Phase 4 as work to bury overhead power lines that sit at the bottom of the popular sledding hill, construct a small warming hut for sledders and trail users, expand naturalized vegetation for aesthetics and sustainability, develop multi-use ADA-accessible soft-surface trails for year-round recreation, and build an overlooking pergola to foster community gatherings. "In its simplest form, you can just envision a small enclosed building that's got a heater in it," a parks staff member said when describing the warming hut.

Staff said the anticipated total project budget is up to $1,500,000, with a $750,000 LWCF match requested; the grant application deadline is Nov. 30. Staff asked the council for pre-grant approval to submit the application and said if the city proceeds, a resolution authorizing submission would be brought to the next regular business meeting.

Councilors asked about the sled-hill location relative to nearby drives and potential safety concerns; staff clarified the sled hill targeted for improvement is south of a drive-through circle and said the design would include berms to prevent sledders from running into adjacent streets. Staff said more detailed design work and public engagement would occur only if funding is awarded; the typical LWCF timeline discussed was state recommendation in the spring, several months of contracting and final award in October the following year.

Council signaled support for staff to prepare a resolution to submit the LWCF application; staff said they would prepare the resolution for the next business meeting. No grant award was made during the meeting.