Billings Parks and Recreation staff proposes to apply for a Land Water Conservation Funding (LWCF) grant for Improvements to the South Park Playground.  Part of the application requires Council to approve a resolution authorizing application for LWCF assistance, see Attachment A.  By applying for this grant, the City may be eligible for up to $75,000.  The South Park Playground Replacement project was recommended by the Parks, Recreation and Cemetery Board and is scheduled to be completed during FY15 as part of the City Wide Park District.  The Park District cost is estimated to be $180,000 and grant proceeds will be used to add equipment or other upgrades to the playground. The Grant application is due February 7, 2014 and determination of grant award will be after July 1, 2014.  As part of the application process, staff contacted stakeholders and surrounding property owners to inform them of the grant opportunity, to solicit letters of support and to receive comments.   

The City Council may:

1. Approve the resolution authorizing application for LWCF assistance, or,
2. Not approve the resolution and provide staff with additional guidance.

Funding for this project in the amount of $180,000 from the City-wide Park District will be requested in the FY '15 budget.  If the City is awarded the LWCF grant, those funds will be used to purchase additional improvements and upgrades to the South Park Playground. 

Staff recommends that the City Council approve the resolution authorizing application for LWCF funding to improve the South Park Playground.