Lindell discusses park grant as March 17 deadline nears; match could be a barrier

Lindell town officials discussed this week whether to apply for a Community Parks and Recreation grant that closes March 17, with Speaker 8 noting the program could provide equipment or park improvements if the town can meet the match requirement. "It closes on March 17," Speaker 8 said during the meeting.

The town is weighing small capital needs such as playground equipment and a pavilion against the cost of a required local match. Speakers in the meeting recalled that the grant typically shows a 20% match, though one member said "it's 30% with Miller" County and that the state may waive the match if the applicant can demonstrate hardship. Members also discussed past strategies to reduce local cash costs by contributing labor for installation; one speaker pointed to a previous playground purchase that cost about $17,000 after a labor match.

Board members asked staff to collect details before committing. Speaker 8 offered to research hardship waivers and to circulate the application. Town staff and volunteers discussed fundraising options—including local events and labor matches—to make the town contribution feasible if they pursue the application.

Officials did not make a final decision at the meeting. Next steps recorded were: staff to send the application materials to council members, to confirm exact match and maximum award details with program staff, and to report back with a recommendation before the deadline. If the town decides not to apply this year, the program will be available again in future cycles, a council member reminded the group.