The City of Sparks opened its first All Abilities Playground at Pah Rah Mountain Park in the fall of 2012.  This amenity is popular throughout the region and the City of Sparks intends to construct a second all abilities playground at the Sparks Marina.  The Sparks Marina was selected as the best site based on its central location and amenities to support this type of playground.

On May 28, 2019, Council approved a budget of $550,000 in the FY20 Capital Improvements Plan - Parks and Recreation Project Fund (1402) for the design and construction of an All Abilities Playground at the Sparks Marina.  On October 14, 2019 Council accepted the Sparks Rotary grant int the amount of $80,000 towards the project.  Based on recent project costs and a review of the All Abilities Playground at Pah Rah Mountain Park, the estimated cost of design and construction of this new playground is expected to exceed the $550,000 approved in the FY20 budget.  Along with the Sparks Rotary, City Staff has been working on securing grants from other philanthropy organizations to obtain additional funds to design and build the project.  Currently, the estimated total cost of the project will be approximately $850,000.

The Reno Rodeo Association is a non-profit organization made up of almost 1,000 volunteers with a long history of supporting the Truckee Meadows region.  The annual 10-Day Reno Rodeo event in June of every year generates an estimated $57 million in economic impact to the region.   Additionally, they support not only the Senior Nevada Junior Rodeo, but also the Special Kids Rodeo for kids with special needs.  The Reno Rodeo Association is always looking for ways to give back to the community, especially when the focus is on children with special needs.  They contacted the City of Sparks when they heard of the Sparks Marina All Abilities Playground project and suggested requesting grant funds for the proposed project.  Staff is seeking authorization to accept grant funds from the Reno Rodeo Association in the amount of $120,000 to assist in the design and construction costs of the Sparks Marina All Abilities Playground project.

1. Council may accept grant funds from the Reno Rodeo Association as outlined by staff
2. Council may reject the grant funds and provide direction to the City Manager

I move to authorize staff to accept grant funds from the Reno Rodeo Association to assist in the design and construction costs of the Sparks Marina All Abilities Playground, in the amount of $120,000.