Title
Florida Recreation Development Assistance Program Grant Acceptance - Forest Park Improvements (B)
This item is a request for the City Commission to authorize the acceptance of a Florida Recreation Development Assistance Program (FRDAP) grant to support improvements at Forest Park, located at 4501 SW 20th Ave, Gainesville, FL 32607
Explanation
In November 2017, Forest Park was acquired by the City of Gainesville through annexation from Alachua County. The park was in very poor condition when it was transferred from the County to the City and is in need of a large overhaul. The park currently contains 3 soccer fields, volleyball and basketball courts, a restroom building, a picnic pavilion, and associated parking. The soccer fields currently flood during larger storm events and need to be renovated to prevent the flooding as well as add a fourth 2/3-size field which would cater to youth and older adult soccer groups. Additional improvements include hardscape, landscape, irrigation, prefabricated shade structures, an additional pavilion, additional site furnishings, court surfacing (pickleball and basketball), field/court equipment, fencing, water fountains, and a dog wash station.
In March 2021 the City Commission approved a project budget for improvements at Forest Park. Community engagement, surveying, geotechnical exploration, environmental assessments, design and permitting took place from 2021 through the summer of 2022.
In October 2021 the Wild Spaces & Public Places program applied for a Florida Recreation Development Assistance Program (FRDAP) Fiscal Year 2022-2023 grant to support improvements at Forest Park. In July of 2022 the City received notification that our application had been selected by the Florida Legislature and approved by Governor DeSantis for funding. This $200,000 grant will help support the construction of park improvements such as court surfacing, a new pavilion, field lighting, water fountains, off-leash dog park am...
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