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Council authorizes LWCF application to pursue park improvements including pickleball courts
Summary
Council authorized a resolution to apply to the Land and Water Conservation Fund for park improvements. Engineers estimated a full project near $900,000, council discussed a 50/50 match requirement and potential elements including courts, bathrooms and playground replacement.
The Gunnison City Council on Jan. 7 authorized staff to apply to the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) for a park-improvement grant, with project concepts that include pickleball courts and supporting amenities.
Staff briefed the council on the application timeline and matching requirements. The city’s engineers (Sunrise Engineering) provided an estimate that a comprehensive project could cost closer to $900,000; earlier estimates used in planning were nearer $500,000. Staff noted the LWCF program requires a 50/50 match and that the city may use a combination of CDBG funds, donations and reserve funds to meet the local match. The state LWCF coordinator told staff that the city can indicate CDBG and existing reserves as match in the application even before awards are finalized.
Councilors discussed project scope and cost drivers. Staff noted replacement of park restrooms could add roughly $350,000 to the project and equipment replacement for play structures might be in the range of $200,000. The council approved authorizing the application and instructed staff to continue design and cost refinement with the contracted engineers and to pursue competitive bids when the project is ready.
The authorization enables staff to submit the application; final project scope, award amount and construction contracts will return to the council for approval if the city is selected for funding.
