Consent 1.G.
Regular City Council Meeting
- Meeting Date:
- 02/23/2015
- TITLE
- Recreational Trails Grant 2015 Application
- PRESENTED BY:
- Candi Millar
- Department:
- Planning & Community Services
Presentation:
PROBLEM/ISSUE STATEMENT
The Planning Division is seeking approval from the City Council to apply for the 2015 Recreational Trails Program (RTP) grant for $20,000 to improve wayfinding and informational signage facilities at Swords Park and connected trails in the vicinity of Swords Park. Montana State Parks manages the RTP grant process that administers federal funding with oversight from the Federal Highway Administration.
This grant proposal will augment funding and expand projects already underway by the Billings Parks, Recreation and Public Lands Department to create an enhanced user experience along some of Billings' longest continuous trails. The proposed signage will utilize the guidelines of the Billings Parks, Recreation and Public Lands Signage Framework Plan, and will likely include a monument entryway sign near the entrance of Swords Park, at least one kiosk to be located near the intersection of Swords Park, Aronson Avenue and Alkali Creek, wayfinding signage at places like the Swords Park trail/Aronson trail intersection, and mile markers at Swords Park, Kiwanis Trail, Earl Guss Park and the trail to Colson Park. There also may be opportunities to include interpretive signage.
This grant proposal will augment funding and expand projects already underway by the Billings Parks, Recreation and Public Lands Department to create an enhanced user experience along some of Billings' longest continuous trails. The proposed signage will utilize the guidelines of the Billings Parks, Recreation and Public Lands Signage Framework Plan, and will likely include a monument entryway sign near the entrance of Swords Park, at least one kiosk to be located near the intersection of Swords Park, Aronson Avenue and Alkali Creek, wayfinding signage at places like the Swords Park trail/Aronson trail intersection, and mile markers at Swords Park, Kiwanis Trail, Earl Guss Park and the trail to Colson Park. There also may be opportunities to include interpretive signage.
ALTERNATIVES ANALYZED
The City Council may:
- Approve the 2015 RTP Grant Application for signage, informational kiosks and trail mile markers in the Swords Park area; or
- Disapprove the 2015 RTP Grant Application for signage, informational kiosks and trail mile markers in the Swords Park Area. Not approving the application would limit the current financial opportunities for additional amenities and information for trail and park users that the Parks Department and Planning Division continue to work to provide in the community.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
If awarded, this grant will provide the City of Billings with up to $20,000 of additional funding for trail signage. This grant provides reimbursement after expenditure of funds and requires a 20% local match. This match, of up to $4,000, will come from existing budget allocations and donations in the Parks Department towards additional signage and trail amenities. Much of the budget for trail amenities in the Swords Park area has come from private contributions and this grant will maximize the impact of those donations.
RECOMMENDATION
Planning Division and Parks, Recreation, and Public Lands Department staff recommend the Council approve the application for the 2015 RTP grant to add signage and other trail amenities on the trail system in the Swords Park area.