Memorandum

City of Lawrence

City Manager’s Office

TO:	David L. Corliss – City Manager Cynthia Wagner - Assistant City Manager Diane Stoddard - Assistant City Manager Jonathan Douglas- Assistant to the City Manager/ City Clerk
FROM:	Kelly Unger, Management Intern
CC:	Ernie Shaw, Interim Director Mark Hecker, Park Superintendent
Date:	September 14, 2011
RE:	September 27, 2011 Agenda Item: Authorize staff to submit a KaBoom playground equipment grant

Project Description/Background:

KaBoom is a national non-profit whose mission is to support play grounds for children.  KaBoom offers a grant opportunity for qualifying organizations, such as the City of Lawrence, to apply for a grant worth $15,000 to build or replace playground equipment in their area.

The Parks and Recreation Department has identified John Taylor Park, 200 N. 7^th Street as the desired location to use KaBoom grant funds to replace current playground equipment. As seen in photos, the play equipment is in need of repair, but is not planned for purchase unless the grant is awarded.

Project Funding:

The KaBoom grant offers a $15,000 grant to purchase playground equipment totaling a minimum of $24,000 and a maximum of $40,000. Based on the information gathered it appears the John Taylor Park equipment, estimated by the Parks and Recreation Department at $30,000 would qualify for such grant. The city would be responsible for matching $15,000 to purchase the new equipment from one their preferred vendors, as well as the cost for removing the current equipment.  KaBoom’s preferred vendors are a number of prominent play ground equipment manufacturers. 

Timeline:

The deadline to apply is September 30, 2011. If selected, the playground project must be completed within a year of the award. Recipients of the grant will be notified shortly after submitting the application.

Action Requested: Authorize staff to submit a KaBoom playground equipment grant to replace play equipment in John Taylor Park, 200 N. 7th Street.