Memorandum
City of Lawrence
Parks & Recreation Department
DATE: October 1, 2009
TO: Dave Corliss, City Manager,
Cynthia Boecker, Assistant City Manager
Diane Stoddard, Assistant City Manager
Ernie Shaw, Interim Director Parks & Recreation
FROM: Mark Hecker, Assistant Director, Parks and Recreation
RE: Parks & Recreation Capital Improvements
Please include the following item on the City Commission agenda for consideration at the October 6, 2009, meeting:
Project Description
The City of Lawrence Parks and Recreation Department requests Commission approval to actively engage the community in a discussion of future capital improvement needs for the city. These discussions will involve public meetings over the next few months to gather input to identify facilities needed in the community. The most recent look at this topic was the in 2007 by members of the PLAY committee. (PLAY Study Final Report - 05/24/07)
Once current needs are identified and prioritized, staff would also request approval to actively explore public / private partnerships and grant opportunities, to fund the development and construction of these facilities.
At a Parks and Recreation Advisory Board meeting held Sept. 29, the Board voted 5-0 in favor of proceeding with community discussions regarding future capital improvement projects.
Project Schedule
Public meetings: October - November, 2009
Identify Funding Opportunities: November - December, 2009
Recommendations to Commission: By the end of 2009
Project Funding
It is anticipated most of the work will be conducted by Parks and Recreation staff and the Advisory Board. Funding needs will be minimal for the initial process. The Sales Tax Reserve Fund will be used to cover expenses associated with the process.
Action Request
Authorize the City Manager and staff to proceed with a process to identify and prioritize Parks & Recreation capital projects needs and funding.
Thank you for your assistance. Please advise if you have any questions.