Cosmopolis wins $100,000 RCO preservation grant for Mill Creek Park improvements

Mayor Springer told the council Cosmopolis secured a $100,000 preservation grant from the Washington Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO) earmarked for Mill Creek Park. Mayor Springer and staff said the grant is for preservation work rather than new additions, and listed anticipated projects.

"We got a $100,000...this grant I worked on this grant with Dylan and Jeff," the mayor said. The scope described includes a new metal roof on the gazebo, repair and replacement of damaged chain-link fencing, selective resurfacing of the tennis courts, installation of solar lighting to replace vandalized fixtures, new concrete steps and restroom renovations. The mayor said some work will be completed by public works and volunteers while other tasks will be contracted out.

Staff noted the original grant assumption was that public works would perform much of the work, and that some contracting or bids may be necessary to meet preservation requirements. The mayor asked for volunteer involvement and noted past volunteer events (an Earth Day cleanup) that mobilized dozens of residents.

Council members asked the mayor and staff to track contractor costs and coordinate weekly check-ins with public works while grant work proceeds. The grant carryover and matching-fund rules were not detailed in the meeting; staff said they would pursue bids and manage the project schedule.

The council did not take a separate formal action beyond acknowledging the grant and planning implementation steps.