Henderson seeks $500,000 PARTF grant to build multiuse park; council also backs $30,000 fitness court application

Henderson City Manager Edward T. Blackmon and Recreation and Parks Director Kendrick Vann told the City Council on May 11 that the Recreation and Parks Department will apply for a $500,000 North Carolina Parks and Recreation Trust Fund (PARTF) grant to construct a multiuse park at the corner of William and Montgomery streets.

Vann said the park design would include outdoor fitness equipment and a track, a bike/skateboard area, a water splash pad and an open-air market station for rentals and community events. The PARTF application requires a $250,000 match; staff said in-kind contributions from multiple city departments can count toward that match and that The Ferguson Group will assist with the application for up to $2,000.

Council Member Melissa Elliott moved to approve Resolution 20-27, authorizing the PARTF application; the motion was seconded by Council Member Sara M. Coffey and approved unanimously. Vann noted the city had previously applied and narrowly missed funding, and that staff expects to refine the application timeline and a list of potential in-kind contributions.

Council also approved Resolution 20-36 to submit a $30,000 application to the National Fitness Campaign for an outdoor fitness court. Staff said the NFC award would be contingent on PARTF funding and that NFC notifications are expected after Labor Day.

The council discussion touched on installation costs and restroom facilities; Vann said existing concrete could be leveled and overlaid to reduce costs and confirmed restrooms are included in the plan. City Manager Blackmon told council that an award could affect next year’s budget and would be discussed further during budget planning.

The council approved both resolutions in voice votes recorded in the minutes.