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Pacific park board eyes RTP trail grant as February deadline looms
Summary
Board members discussed applying for Missouri's RTP recreational trail grant, noted a potential Feb. 20 deadline and agreed staff should investigate eligibility and next steps; Missouri State Parks/DNR is administering the round and awards can reach $250,000.
The City of Pacific Park Board discussed pursuing a Recreational Trails Program (RTP) grant to help build or rehabilitate local trail connections, with members urging staff to move quickly because of a near-term application deadline. "I think when I looked at it, it was due in February," said Ben Stanford, who urged the city to be the applicant for trail grants referenced by Missouri State Parks and DNR.
Why it matters: An RTP award can pay for trail construction, rehabilitation and accessibility improvements; the board said the program can include projects such as trailheads and assessment of trail conditions. The board flagged a potential application window and asked city staff to follow up so Pacific could be considered in the current round.
Board members and staff discussed the work needed to assemble a compelling application. Ryan Shecker said he would try to locate prior maps and files that show historic trail alignments between Blackburn and Adams Garden so the city can show project feasibility. City staff present agreed to look up the program guidance and share details with the board.
The board also discussed outreach and feasibility constraints: some trail routes cross steep terrain and private property, and some neighborhoods previously pushed back on proposed connections. "They didn't want to open up anything for possible people," James Cleave said of resident concerns about trail linkages into The Cedars.
Next steps: The board directed staff to research the RTP grant details, to share any application materials and to include the topic on the February meeting agenda for further direction. Shecker said he will circulate any maps or prior presentations that could support an application.
