Memorandum

City of Lawrence

City Manager’s Office

TO:	David Corliss, City Manager
FROM:	Eileen Horn, Sustainability Coordinator & Mark Hecker, Parks & Recreation
DATE:	June 19, 2014
RE:	Application to Sunflower Foundation Community Trails Grant for the Burcham Park River Trail.

Background

The Sunflower Foundation provides funding to support the concept of the “built environment” as a strategy to increase opportunities for physical activity and therefore reduce the prevalence of obesity and improve overall health.  Their Community Trails program funds community trail projects of at least one half mile in length.  Funding is available up to $55,000, contingent upon project budget and bids, and all grants require a dollar for dollar match.  Online applications are due Wednesday, July 9, 2014 at 5 p.m. CST. Funding decisions are expected in August 2014.

Project Description

The proposed Burcham Park River Trail would connect Burcham Park with Constant Park with a 0.64 mile multi-use path along the Kansas River.  This trail would connect the recently constructed Sandra Shaw Trail adjacent to Burcham Park with destinations such as Downtown, the levee trail, and LMH. (see attached map).  The Burcham Park River Trail will serve as a site for recreation and physical activity, bicycle commuting, and access to the Kansas River.  The 3400 ft. (0.64 mile) trail will be constructed partially of concrete, and partially of asphalt millings to balance trail surface durability and cost. 

The total project cost = $106,920.00.  Fifty percent (50%) of the project cost must be provided by the City of Lawrence.  Parks and Recreation has committed the fifty percent (50%) match from the Sales Tax Reserve Fund and the Special Recreation Fund.

We have received widespread community support for the grant application, and will include letters of support with our application from:  The Sustainability Advisory Board, Livewell Lawrence, the Douglas County Health Department, Friends of the Kaw, Jayhawk Audubon Society, Kansas Wildlife Federation, Dads of Douglas County, Run Lawrence, Bert Nash Mental Health Center, Outside for a Better Inside, and the Pinckney Neighborhood Association.

Staff Recommendation

Staff recommends that the City apply for the Sunflower Foundation Community Trails Grant in the amount of $53,460.00 to fund the Burcham Park River Trail.

Action

Authorize Parks & Recreation to apply for $53,460.00 through the Sunflower Foundation Community Trails Grant.