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ACCEPTANCE OF A RECREATIONAL TRAILS GRANT FROM THE OKLAHOMA TOURISM AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $160,000 TO BE USED FOR IMPROVEMENTS TO JOHN H. SAXON COMMUNITY PARK AND BUDGET APPROPRIATION.
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BACKGROUND: In order to begin the Development of John Saxon Jr. Community Park, Park Planning staff applied for a Recreational Trails Grant from the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department (OTRD) in January, 2011. The request was for the maximum $160,000 that would be matched by $40,000 in funds from the City of Norman to implement the first $200,000 of development in the park and provide access to Norman’s first true cross-country course by constructing a formal entry road, lighted parking area, final trail surfacing and appropriate trail head and distance marker signage to enable people to use the park safely. Future phases of the park include playground areas, event shelters, a shorter fitness trail with exercise stations, restroom facilities, two small lakes, additional parking and more trail segments. Matching funds for the Recreational Trails Grant and for the engineered drawings for the Saxon Park Improvements Project was approved by Council in July, 2011.
DISCUSSION: Since that time, staff has completed the required archaeological and Native Tribes clearances as-confirmed by the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department (see attached letter). The OTRD has provided the City of Norman with the grant agreement paperwork, and the engineered drawings have been completed by Cardinal Engineering and approved by the City of Norman Engineers.
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that City Council accept the Recreational Trails Grant from the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department and approve the appropriation of $160,000 from the Special Grants Fund Balance (account 022-0000-253-20-00), to Saxon Park Development, Construction (account 022-9674-452.61-01; project PC0003). Acceptance of the Bid and approval of the contract for the Saxon Park Road, Parking, and Trail Construction Project are to be considered in a separate agenda item.