Grant Writer offers options to South Fulton Parks, Rec Board

Rob Goad, Grant Writer/Project Manager with the Northwest Tennessee Development District, presented information to members of the South Fulton Parks and Recreation Board Aug. 6, related to possible funding options for upgrades to the city’s parks, including the possibility of the addition of a splash pad.

Board members Felicia Lightner, Myra Bass, Harry Hutcherson, Anita Oliver and Sharye Hendrix, as well as South Fulton City Manager Johnny Bacon were present for the meeting, as well as Fulton Tourism Executive Director Thea Vowell.

Goad explained that currently there are grants available through the Tennessee Department of Health, up to $150,000 for three years, $450,000 total which require no matching funds, however those grants must be associated with health and wellness, such as for the construction of sidewalks and walking trails or exercise equipment.

As to grant funding which could assist in the construction of a splash pad, Goad reported there are requirements to be met for the Local Parks and Recreation Fund Grant, LPRF, for such a project.

The requirements include the project proposed for the grant funds, included in a planning document created or revised within the past five years; a resolution or meeting minutes from local governing board adopting the plan; a Recreational Needs Assessment identifying the project conducted within the last five years, to show support for the proposed project, such as public surveys; three public meetings to be held at different times on different days prior to grant application submission; civic support from two non-governmental entities, demonstrated by the presentation of power point describing the project and soliciting support from civic group members; Parks and Recreation Board support; a detailed inventory of current parks in the recreation system; and Management/Maintenance plans for the parks system.

The grants are 50% matching, Goad said, with a maximum grant request of $500,000, for a $1 million project.

“So if the city were to take on a $150,000 project, it would cost the city $75,000,” Goad explained.

Goad estimated the cost of some area splash pads, such as the splash pad constructed in downtown Martin, Tenn., at $170,000, while the estimate of a more elaborate splash pad, such as the splash pad area still under construction in Union City, Tenn., would be in excess of $300,000. He also noted a project in Paris, Tenn. for a splash pad and play area was estimated at $1.5 million.

He explained there were options available to explore, to identify method to use to pay for the city’s matching portion this type of grant, including the possible use of land acquired by the city, not a part of the original park property, the value of any newly purchased land eligible to use as credit toward decreasing the dollar amount of the matching portion.

No action was taken by the board, however Goad offered his assistance in the process of writing a grant, should the board choose to pursue the option.

In old business, while David McDaniel, South Fulton City employee and acting Parks Director had informed the Parks and Rec Board at the July meeting, he had turned in his two weeks’ notice to resign from serving as Parks Director, City Manager Johnny Bacon told board members he was planning to discuss the matter with McDaniel, and that to date, he had not received a letter of resignation in writing from McDaniel, from the Parks Director’s post. Bacon said McDaniel had been on hand the preceding Saturday, for the Community Yard Sale event held at Unity Park, a project first proposed by McDaniel to the Parks Board.

Bacon said McDaniel had told him there were 19 spaces used during the Aug. 3 Community Yard Sale event, and that McDaniel requested consideration be given to extend the event to include the first Saturday in September, October and November. The board approved the request.

In a related matter, as to those interested in setting up in the park during the Community Yard Sale events in the park, or at any time within the city, discussion took place as to the city’s requirement for businesses to purchase a Business License, in the amount of $15 to conduct business within the city. This fee, Bacon said, is not required for a yard sale, however it does apply to vendors selling items or food. Non-profit organizations would also be exempt from the Business License requirement.

Discussion then continued regarding the set up fee, which had previously been decided by the board, of $25 per day, for vendors to set up in Unity Park. Non-profits would also be exempt from the set-up fee.

The Board approved the $25 set up fee for businesses, who chose to set up at any time in Unity Park, including the Community Yard Sale Saturday, as well as to publicly notify all businesses of the city required Business License which must be purchased at South Fulton City Hall, in order to conduct business within the city.

Bacon said he could arrange for the $25 set up fee to be collected at city hall, as well as the Business License fee of $15. He explained the Business License issued should be displayed by the business.

Vowell addressed the board during open discussion, regarding her previous request to the board for the use of Unity Park and the amphitheater stage, during the Banana Festival in September, at no charge. She said she had attended the previous South Fulton City Commission meeting, prepared to answer questions, if any, posed by the city commission, however the item was not included on the city commission meeting’s agenda and no one was present from the Parks and Rec Board to present the request.

Lightner said she would make sure the item was presented at the August South Fulton City Commission meeting.

Board members Eddie Cassetty and Billy Williams were absent.