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Jackson seeks $1.84 million state grant to redesign Peace Park; city match raises timing concerns
Summary
City staff asked the council to apply for a $1,835,692 Local Park and Recreation Fund grant for phase one of Peace Park redesign; the city would be responsible for a $917,846.05 match, with award timing likely in late 2026 and construction targeted for FY28–FY29, prompting questions about inflation and the city’s ability to fund the match.
City staff told the Jackson City Council the administration will apply for a Local Park and Recreation Fund grant to fund phase one of the Peace Park redesign, an element of the city’s master plan for the park.
The grant application seeks $1,835,692 with a required 50% city match of $917,846.05. Staff explained the grant would fund a multipurpose field (usable for soccer and 7v7 football), lighting, basic parking upgrades and related construction documents prepared by A2H. Award notification is expected in September or October 2026, contracts likely in early 2027, and construction most likely in FY28 or FY29; the grant allows a three-year period to expend funds once awarded.
Council members questioned budget risk and the city match. One member expressed concern about setting aside a $1 million match and the risk of inflation over a multiyear timeline if federal or state funds are delayed. Staff responded that the city accounts for inflation in project estimates and cited prior projects that came in on budget except for one specialized project (the skate park) that ran over budget.
Staff said the project timeline and contracting plan anticipate typical design and procurement lead times (design estimated at four to nine months) and emphasized that some work can be done in-house, which may reduce costs. If awarded, staff indicated the project likely would not start until late FY28 or FY29 given grant cycles and contracting deadlines.
