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City proposes combining Betty Wheeler and Sam Moore projects to leverage state grants
Summary
Parks staff recommended combining Betty Wheeler and Sam Moore projects to improve grant competitiveness; Mike Kavanagh said state grant programs (60/40 and 50/50 matches) could reduce local cost and Betty Wheeler is a tier‑1 project in the 10‑year parks master plan.
City parks staff recommended combining the Betty Wheeler and Sam Moore park projects within the draft bond package to improve eligibility for state grants and provide flexibility in grant pursuit.
Mike Kavanagh, Parks and Recreation Director, explained that the two likely sources are an Oregon State Parks local government grant with a 60/40 split (40% city, 60% state) and the Land and Water Conservation Fund, which typically requires a 50/50 match. Kavanagh said combining the projects could allow the city to leverage those programs and reduce the local share. “Potentially, with successful grant writing… we will be able to do and state parks will look kindly upon our applications,” he told the council.
Staff noted Betty Wheeler is a tier‑1 parks master‑plan project and that the combined approach preserves flexibility for the city to pursue grants while still advancing other high‑priority projects in the bond package. The parks director listed other parks that will still need future attention—Coast Park, Don and Ann Davis Park and Big Creek Park—but said the combined proposal could move two high‑priority needs forward sooner.
