Del City approves Land and Water Conservation Fund application, scales back splash‑pad scope

Del City voted on March 27 to apply for a 2026 Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) grant to acquire and remediate a long‑dilapidated property adjacent to Townsend Park and to pursue basic park improvements while removing larger splash‑pad construction from the initial grant application.

City staff explained the LWCF supports land acquisition and park enhancements that are maintained as perpetual parkland. "The land, water, conservation fund ... money set aside to acquire property, enhance the property, and then potentially build up anything as long as you make it perpetual parkland," a staff presenter said.

Council members debated scope and timing. One member noted staff estimates that pursuing a full‑scope project with water‑park elements could push total project estimates into the high hundreds of thousands, with the city’s match exposure increasing if the grant covers only part of the cost. "We are looking ... budgeting and spending $800,000 with the hopes that we might get half of that back at 400,000," a council member said while urging caution about committing to high‑cost amenities without full planning.

Several members emphasized an immediate priority: removing a dangerous, dilapidated building on the parcel. Staff said the owner has indicated the site would be vacated by the end of June and that the city has set aside approximately $100,000 for land purchase work that would not be jeopardized by tabling broader improvements.

On the maintenance plan tied to the grant, councilors agreed to reduce forecasted upkeep and to strike the word "splash pad" in favor of the broader term "park facility." The council amended the five‑year maintenance estimate so the city's maintenance guarantee and budget language reflected a lower, not‑to‑exceed figure and authorized the mayor to sign the amended resolution once scrivener edits are completed.

The council approved the motions for the grant application (with the splash‑pad component removed) and for the amended five‑year maintenance plan by unanimous recorded votes. Staff said even if the LWCF application is denied, the city will proceed as necessary with property purchase and demolition; if the grant is awarded, the city will be responsible for its matching share and five‑year maintenance commitment.

Next steps: staff will prepare purchase and closing documents, final budget amendments and any grant application materials required by the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department.