Memorandum

City of Lawrence

City Manager’s Office

To:         Diane Stoddard, Interim City Manager 

From:    Ernie Shaw, Interim Director Parks and Recreation

CC:        Mark Hecker, Assistant Director, Parks and Recreation

Date:     August 10, 2015

Re:  Topeka Community Foundation Grant for South Park Fitness Zone

The Topeka Community Foundation is accepting Healthy Lifestyles Concept Papers in support of programs/projects that directly and positively change health habits, behaviors and/or lifestyles for residents in several northeast Kansas counties, including Douglas County. They anticipate grant awards being $30,000 or less. There are no matching funds required from the City.

A Healthy Lifestyles Grant from the Topeka Community Foundation would be utilized to purchase exercise equipment for a “Fitness Zone” in South Park. Fitness zones are a cluster of modern outdoor exercise equipment, a free, park/gym facility that is open 24/7.  The city installed a similar cluster of equipment at Deerfield Park in June 2013, and has seen increased activity in the park and use of the park equipment as a result.

We are requesting $30,000 from the Topeka Community Foundation Healthy Lifestyles Grant program for the purchase of the exercise equipment and help with installation.

Action Requested:  Authorize staff to apply for the Topeka Community Foundation Healthy Lifestyles Grant Program for a South Park Fitness Zone.