1998-162-RES WHEREAS, PARKS AND RECREATION MASTERPLAN FOR COP

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Project Time Table The following time schedule is recommended for orderly development or re-development of parks and recreation in Paris: Priority I Priority 2 Priority 3 Priority 4 Priority 5 Priority 6 Priority 7 Priority 8 Priority 9 Priority 10 Multipurpose Sports Complex.......................................................... ............................ ......1999-2000 Record Park Improvements.................................................... ................. .... ..................... .1999-2000 Dragon Park Improvements...................................................... ................... ......................1999-2000 Lake Crook Improvements (Phase 1)..................................................................................1998-1999 Lake Crook I mprovements (Phase 2)............................................................................ .2000 Lake Crook Improvements (Phase 3).............................................................................200 I Upgrade Parks City Wide........................................................................................... Budget Annually Restroom Facilities............................................ ............................................................... .1999-200 I Paved Parking........................................................................ ........................................... .1999-2000 Recreation Facility......................................................................................................... .2002 Security Ughting..................................................................................... ................... ....... .1999-2000 Land Acquisition................................................................................... .......... ................ Ongoing Project FundinK An ambitious plan of development with several million dollars in construction cost alone, not including land acquisition, dictates some creative and varied fund raising. Some of these projects can be paid for through the operating budget, capital improvement bond funds or certificates of obligation. The City of Paris has indicated its willingness to apply for grants-in-aid, the most prominent of which are: Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs Community Development Block Grants are federal funds distributed from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development directly to states who in turn distribute through a complicated regional point system to counties and cities. The City of Paris or any other incorporated area or the county may make application. Park development is eligible. A local match of ten to twenty percent is usually necessary for the maximum grant of $250,000. The complication is that, in the intense competition for such funds, only ten to twelve of nearly forty grant applications are usual~ funded in the Council of Governments region. Parks are usually not high enough on the regional priority scale (set by the Regional Review Committees themselves) to score sufficient points. Parks and WildlifeJ1' exas Recreation & Parks Account Program Texas This program has long been used by cities and counties to fund park improvements. In fact, several parks in Paris were developed or enhanced with this program. The program requires a 50% local match which can be in the form of a donated force account (applicant's own work forces and equipment), donated labor and/or equipment, cash, or donated land or combinations of all. Applications are received by TPWD on January 31 and July 31 of each year and funding is usual~ announced 6 to 8 months later. Grant offers follow soon thereafter and allow three years from grant signature for project completion. The program was recent~ amended to add some reaJ~ attractive features; for example, non-park public lands can now be converted to park use and count as part of the local match in much the same way as donated lands. This includes public lands owned by independent school districts, junior colleges and other public entities. An old landfill or sewage plant, if the land is acceptable for park use, can be converted and the city gets matching funds up to its appraised value. Texas Parks and Wildlife Boat Ramp Fund Texas Parks and Wildlife has funds available for boat ramps under a separate application procedure. Conclusion Based on public hearings, invitations to solicit comments, and staff input, the City of Paris should proceed with development and refurbishment of parks and recreation facilities. The argument will surely be made that parks and recreation facilities cost money to build and operate and are surely "money losers". The public should keep in mind, however, that streets and sidewalks are not money makers either to any extent. For that matter, police and fire departments are not self supporting. Parks and Recreation facilities perhaps add more natural beauty to our community than any of these other departments or facilities combined. There are Simply some things in city government that the public demands, despite the fact that there will be little or no revenues to off-set expenses of providing those facilities.