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Neighbors ask Tonawanda council to back riverfront nature-playground and streamline grant process
Summary
A community representative asked the council to endorse a riverfront nature-playground concept for a small block near Old Man River, saying the project would use external grant funding and in-kind city support; presenters requested either a council resolution or an MOU so grant applicants can move forward.
A resident representing a neighborhood group asked the Tonawanda common council to back a proposed nature-playground on a small grassy block near Old Man River and the Riverwalk, saying the project would be funded primarily through grants and in-kind contributions rather than the city's general fund.
The presenter explained that a nature playground emphasizes open-ended, natural play elements (stumps, logs, tree shade) rather than fixed equipment and said such features can be built largely from donated or low-cost materials. She suggested a location in front of Old Man River (near Bob Gregg Grove), noting the area has seven trees that would provide natural shade.
The presenter said the nonprofit COT Neighbors United could lead grant applications and that in-kind city support (mowing, maintenance time) would count as the local match many funders require. She asked the council for a resolution saying the city supports the project and will allow use of the specified public space, or—alternatively—an MOU allowing the nonprofit to access the site so grant deadlines are not blocked by different MOU requirements from multiple funders.
Council members asked about past proposals, maintenance responsibilities and prior efforts to identify funding and design documents. A council member referenced earlier contacts with state legislators and noted that an earlier DRI (Downtown Revitalization Initiative) submission had not been selected but that much of the design work already exists. The presenter said Lindsay (a project lead) had prepared design materials and could provide drawings and grant language at no cost.
The city attorney and staff asked for confirmation that the proposed site is designated parkland and that any action would comply with parkland rules; council members asked for legal review and confirmation of maintenance arrangements before a formal resolution would be drafted.
No formal vote was taken; council members expressed general interest and asked staff to follow up with a draft resolution or MOU and confirm site designation and maintenance commitments.
