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Park board urges Ainsworth to budget seed money and pursue grants for trails, courts and splash pad
Summary
Park Board representatives urged the council to allocate seed funding and seek grants for a multi-year parks plan that includes a walking trail, dog park, pickleball/basketball courts and a splash pad; council directed staff to coordinate budgets and possible grant applications.
Members of the Ainsworth Park Board presented older cost estimates and asked the city to set aside seed money and pursue grants for several projects, including a walking trail, a dog park, upgraded courts and a splash pad.
"We want three pickleball courts, lighting, fencing and a basketball court ..." a Park Board representative said, and urged the council to consider matching funds and staged construction so projects can be completed over multiple years.
City staff and council discussed funding sources including the ABC lodging tax, the LB840 fund, and Game and Parks grant cycles. The Park Board requested $50,000 in seed funds in the next budget to leverage grants and private matches; council members responded that budgeting discussions will begin in July and that formal bids and final project numbers will be needed for grant applications.
The park board said prior community surveys prioritized a walking trail and dog park, and representatives recommended staged implementation to begin work this year and continue next year as matching funds are secured. Park Board Chair Brian Delmont and members will coordinate bids and bring final cost estimates to the council for budget consideration.
