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Council hears presentation on disc golf, fitness-court grant and STEM funding
Summary
Benton City Council heard a presentation from a local revitalization group about park improvements, a potential $30,000 National Fitness Campaign grant (requiring roughly $100,000 local match), ongoing STEM funding and community events.
At its Nov. 18 meeting, the Benton City Council heard a presentation from the city revitalization organization outlining park improvements, youth programs and potential grant-funded fitness equipment.
The organization's representative (presenter, S5) told the council the new signage at the disc golf course has drawn positive feedback and described plans for events, including an outreach program called “Hazard for Holidays” intended to help families who may not be able to afford gifts. “We've been heavily working on this golf course,” the presenter said, and noted the city signage lets visitors know the course is nearby.
S5 said the group received $10,000 through the Washington Student Achievement Council last year for STEM activities and has secured roughly $6,000 per year for the next two years to sustain a leadership program in local schools. “We are continuing our progress with them and getting about $6,000 a year for the next 2 years,” the presenter said.
On larger park investments, S5 outlined a potential partnership with the National Fitness Campaign that would provide a $30,000 grant but would require the city to supply an estimated roughly $100,000 in matching funds if the city provides concrete work. “They would provide $30,000 grant, and then we would have to come up with about a 100 ish thousand dollars if we can do our own concrete work,” S5 said. S5 identified two candidate locations — the skate park and Legion Park — and suggested pairing new court or fitness installations with a high-school-led Future Leaders initiative.
S5 also said the full equipment suite would cost about $300,000 and that the group is working with Benton County’s grant coordinator, Kristen, and intended to raise the item with a congressional connections committee to seek additional support. “I'm supposed to go and speak with the congressional connections committee, tomorrow afternoon,” S5 said.
Council members praised the signage and encouraged the presenters to continue seeking funding and to return with cost and implementation details. Chair (S1) asked for future engineer reports and cost breakdowns to be included at a subsequent meeting. The presenter said they would continue to provide updates as information becomes available.
The council did not take formal action on the fitness or park proposals at the meeting; the presenter was asked to pursue funding options and report back.
