Subject:
Title
2023-2024 Land and Water Conservation Fund grant agreement with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection for Raymond H. Neri Community Park Phase 1 development.
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Recommended Action:
Recommended Action
Approval of the 2023-2024 Land and Water Conservation Fund Grant Agreement with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) for Raymond H. Neri Community Park Phase I development.
• Grant award in the amount of $1.5M in FDEP funds with a County match of $1.5M totaling $3M to offset the overall $7.1M estimated Phase I Project Costs.
• Matching funds are available in the 6-year Capital Improvement Project Cultural and Recreation (PCR) Program.
• Because the grant funding source is federal, we are administratively moving the $1.5M match from another PCR Capital Program in Penny IV (which will be brought to the BCC for ratification).
• Phase I improvements include an adult fitness playground, two children’s playgrounds (2-5 years and 5-12 years), picnic facilities, widening a multi-use trail, building a new multipurpose sports field, a new dog park and restroom, and installing new fencing, lighting, and native landscaping.
• Agreement will begin upon execution and will expire on September 30, 2026.
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Strategic Plan:
Practice Superior Environmental Stewardship
3.2 Preserve and manage environmental lands, beaches, parks, and historical assets
Foster Continual Economic Growth and Vitality
4.2 Invest in communities that need the most
Summary:
Summary
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) is awarding funds through the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) for park development. LWCF is a competitive grant program which provides financial assistance to local governmental entities for the development or acquisition of land for public outdoor recreational purposes. This funding will offset construction costs for Phase 1 of the Raymond H. Neri Community Park development project
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Background Information:
The County will make improvements and upgrades to Raymond H. Neri Park by constructing an adult fitness public playground, two children’s playgrounds (2-5 years and 5-12 years), picnic facilities, widening a multi-use trail, building a new multipurpose sports field, a new dog park and restroom, and installing new fencing, lighting, and native landscaping. This project has completed the design phase and construction is anticipated to begin in the Spring of 2024. This is also an approved ARPA project identified under the expenditure category: Strong Healthy Communities - Neighborhood Features that Promote Health and Safety.
Fiscal Impact:
Total project costs of $7,186,000 are budgeted in the County’s Capital Improvement Program (CIP) under Culture & Recreation, PID #002201A. The grant funding will offset construction costs during FY24-FY26. Operations and maintenance are anticipated to be absorbed by existing staff.
Delegated Authority:
This agreement requires execution by the BCC Chair.
Staff Member Responsible:
Paul Cozzie, Director, Parks and Conservation Resources
Emily Magyar, Senior Grants Specialist, Parks and Conservation Resources
Partners:
Florida Department of Environmental Protection
Attachments:
Intent to Apply Acceptance letter
LW760- Agreement