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Council discusses RCO grant for park upgrades; members voice capacity concerns
Summary
Staff previewed a Washington State RCO grant application to replace playground surfacing, add curbing for access and renovate the main park restroom (estimated cost up to $400,000; RCO would cover 50%). Several councilmembers urged delaying the application because the city already has multiple capital projects underway and limited staff capacity.
Staff told council the city is preparing an application to the Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO) to fund playground surfacing replacement, concrete curbing to improve accessibility and restroom renovations at the main city park. Staff estimated total project costs could be as high as $400,000 and said the RCO grant would cover 50% if awarded; otherwise the project would be postponed until alternate funding is available for a 2027–28 build.
Mayor (Scott Brennan) and multiple councilmembers said they were concerned the city already has major capital projects in progress — including treatment‑plant upgrades, Charter Park and Gratzer Park work — and cautioned against taking on another grant cycle without capacity to manage it. Councilmember Holland and Councilmember Torres both recommended postponing the application to a later cycle until staff bandwidth improves and new administrative leadership is settled.
Staff noted the application requires a formal resolution authorizing staff to apply and to act as the city's representative for any awarded funds; staff recommended bringing the resolution forward as a standalone item at the June 10 meeting. Council asked staff to clarify who would manage the grant and whether there is a designated grant writer on staff. Staff and the mayor said they will provide additional information and may defer to a later application cycle.
Why it matters: If awarded, the grant would improve accessibility and park facilities but would require staff time and a local match; councilmembers weighed expected benefits against current workload and capital commitments.
Next steps: Staff will bring the applicant resolution/authorization and additional budget/management details to a future council meeting; the city may postpone applying until a future grant cycle.
