Estacada DEI Committee backs T‑Mobile Hometown Grant for Wade Creek Park accessibility

The Estacada Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee voted to approve a letter of support for a T‑Mobile Hometown Grant application intended to improve accessibility at Wade Creek Park.

City staff said the T‑Mobile Hometown Grant provides awards of up to $50,000 for projects that extend access to outdoor spaces or support historic restorations; the committee—s proposed project is to pave existing pebble‑gravel paths to improve access for wheelchair users, people using mobility aids and people with low vision. "This will hopefully remedy that issue," staff said when summarizing prior cost increases and construction challenges at the park.

Committee members asked whether other commissions would be asked to sign. Staff said the city manager's office prepared the letter; the parks and recreation commission will receive a slightly different version tailored to its scope, and the city will submit a single electronic letter containing commission endorsements. Staff also offered to review other grant opportunities and assist multiple commissions with application work.

A motion to approve the letter of support for the T‑Mobile grant for Wade Creek Park was made, seconded and approved by a voice vote recorded as "Aye." The transcript does not show a roll‑call tally.

Staff said committees may include training or grant‑writing expenses in future budget submissions; staff noted RDI (a training provider) previously offered a grant‑writing course for about $250 and that the committee budget cycle for submissions is in April.

The letter will be finalized and submitted ahead of the grant deadline; staff encouraged committees to coordinate if they identify additional funding opportunities.