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Parks & Recreation seeks grants and PPP funds to develop Fort Tuthill campground, requests controlled-burn funding
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Summary
Parks & Recreation told the board it recommends $150,000 design funds for pickleball courts, $113,400 for controlled burns and a $1M general-fund contingency (not recommended by the manager) to help build flushing toilets, hookups and new RV sites at Fort Tuthill; staff plan to rely on public-private partnership funds and a Land and Water Conservation Fund grant.
Parks & Recreation leaders outlined a multi-part capital program that would modernize Fort Tuthill County Park and expand the county fairgrounds experience.
Director Cynthia Nemeth and operations manager Rob Morrison explained department accomplishments (new Ramada structures, ADA seating at the amphitheater, improved lighting, a wildlife drinker and preliminary work on the Homestead Trail) and then described planned investments. The department requested controlled-burn funding ($113,400, to come mainly from the department’s PPP fund with a small percent from a Navy REPI grant) and a replacement skid steer ($85,000) to preserve fleet reliability.
The largest proposal was a Fort Tuthill campground development plan to add flushing toilets, showers, hookups and additional RV sites. The department proposed a financing mix that would include $960,000 from the public-private partnership fund, $160,000 from the campground repair fund and a $400,000 minimum partner investment, with a $1,000,000 general-fund contingency requested only if LWCF grant funding is not secured. County management noted the budget as presented does not include the $1,000,000 contingency and recommended pursuing the LWCF grant first and returning with firm costs if the grant is not awarded.
Board members asked about rural outreach and marketing to distribute fair benefits across the county rather than concentrating them in Flagstaff. Parks staff said a new outreach coordinator will develop a comprehensive marketing plan and stressed partnerships with Friends of Coconino County Parks and volunteer commissioners to reach rural communities.
What’s next: staff will pursue grant applications and return with the final grant plan and contingency triggers to the board if the LWCF application is unsuccessful.
