The City of Sparks Parks and Recreation Department continues its lead role in creating awareness and providing recreational programmimg for people with disabilities in the Treckee Meadows.  The Leisure Without Limits programs include weekly art classes and bowling as well as other seasonal events for people with disabilities.  The Playgound Program dates back to 1990  in Sparks. The program has been offered free of charge to children in the first through sixth grade. With grant funding and a "home" at the Larry D. Johnson Community Center, the program can continue with daily orgznized activities, crafts, swimming and weekly field trips.  The program also has access to the USDA Summer Food Service Program.  Free nutritious lunches are served to program participants daily.  In 2015 Parks and Recreation contracted with the UNR Department of Psychology, Behavioral Services to provide services in the Youth Watch programs.  The students coach staff on behavioral techniques to use in working with the elementary children in the before and after school programs.

The Nell J. Redfileld Free Neighborhood Playground Program and the UNR Behavioral Services are offered at no cost to participants.  The Leisure Without Limits programming is offered at very minimal or no cost to the participants. The Nell J. Redfield grant is needed in order to continue with these programs.

1.  The Council may elect not to accept this grant.

2. The Council may redirect staff to seek another source of funding.

I move to accept this grant from the Nell J. Redfield Foundation in the amount of $45,000 to continue programs as outlined by staff.