Title
Arizona Game and Fish 2017 Heritage Fund Grant Application (Ordinance S-44070)
Description
Request retroactive authorization for the City Manager, or his designee, to apply for and, if awarded, accept and enter into agreements for up to $33,000 in 2017 Heritage Fund grants funds from the Arizona Game and Fish Department to accommodate access by the disability and functional needs community to the community fishing ponds at Papago Park. Further request authorization for the City Treasurer to accept, and for the City Controller to disburse, any grant monies awarded. If this request is not granted, the Parks and Recreation Department will decline to accept any grant monies awarded.
Report
Summary
The Parks and Recreation Department is seeking to apply for a 2017 Heritage Fund Grant in the amount of $33,000 from the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AGFD). If awarded, the funds will be used for the purchase and delivery of a fishing dock to be installed at Papago Park. This project would benefit the disability and functional needs community by providing access to community fishing ponds at Papago Park. The park is home to three scenic fishing ponds, which AGFD stocks with fish on a biweekly basis between the months of September and June. Currently, the fishing ponds have gravel banks and are not readily accessible to all members of the community.
If awarded, the Parks and Recreation Department would partner with volunteers from The Mission Continues and Park Stewards to assemble and install the dock and construct an ADA-approved walkway to the dock. Other nonprofit supporters include Daring Adventures, Hope for Trauma and We’re MOVING FORWARD! These groups provide recreational opportunities for members of the disability and functional needs community and their support is invaluable.
The Heritage Fund was created in 1990 and is funded through Arizona Lottery ticket sales. Heritage funding goes toward conservation efforts such as protecting endangered species; educating students and the general public about wildlife and the outdoors; and creating new opportunities for outdoor recreation. The grant program was established by AGFD in 1992 as part of the overall Heritage Fund program. Since the grant program’s inception, AGFD has awarded over $16 million and supported more than 800 projects.
Financial Impact
The requested grant amount of $33,000 includes product, delivery and site-preparation costs for installation of a dock at Papago Park.
Concurrence/Previous Council Action
This item was recommended for approval at the Parks, Arts, Education and Equality Subcommittee meeting on Sept. 27, 2017, by a vote of 4-0.
Location
Papago Park: 625 N. Galvin Parkway
Council District: 6
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Deputy City Manager Deanna Jonovich and the Parks and Recreation Department.