Agenda - Parks and Recreation Commission - 09/20/1984

Home

I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I ! IO: Chairman and C~issiomembers, Ramsey Park and Recreation C~ission FROM: Mr. Arnold Cox RE: Development of the Rum River Playground As you know, the Rum River Park land is developing into a fine recreational area (ballfields, playground, etc.) through the efforts of dedicated volunteer help. However, since I originally spoke to this C~mmission, a lot has happened in the way of development of the private surrounding land holdings. Consequently, it appears that we will be seeing a demand being placed on the City for additional recreational area. My purpose in coming before you at this time is to consider utilizing the State and Metro grant programs. ~his project would qualify for these grants because the area is located within the Urban Area. ~he City's share could then be the volunteer help, however, there will probably be some minuscule funding needed from the City. ~is approach will allow for two major park developments to occur simultaneously in the City of Ramsey, Central Park, which is being totally funded through local tax dollars/revenue sharing dollars and the Rum River park land through the utilization of State and Metro grant funds and volunteer help. Consequently, in view of the above, I m requesting that this Cc~mission make application for grant funding for the development of the Rum River Park. My task will be to provide the additional funding which will be in-kind-funding which will be the services of volunteer labor from contractors and citizens. I have checked with the State and they will provide grant funds for park develotm~ent on this basis. As a last remark, I have never been an advocate of the utilizing of grants, however, I realize that Ramsey has never really gotten its fair share of the tax dollars that its citizens provide to the State and this approach will provide for a return of those dollars.s Sincerely, Arnold Cox