Title
2017 Arizona State Parks Recreational Trails Program Grant (Ordinance S-43136)
Description
The purpose of this report is to request City Council approval to apply for the 2017 Arizona State Parks Recreational Trails Program (RTP) Grant for Non-Motorized Trails. Further request authorization for the City Treasurer to accept, and for the City Controller to disburse, all funds related to this item.
Report
Summary
The Pueblo Grande Museum and Archaeological Park includes a trail that allows access for visitors to climb to the top of the prehistoric platform mound at the Museum, and also allows visitors to walk to the outdoor exhibit areas that were originally installed in 1990. The trail is composed of dyed asphalt. Over the years, the asphalt has cracked and deteriorated along the edges. Staff has been patching and repairing the trail as best as possible.
During the summers of 2014 and 2015, two major monsoon events caused a portion of the asphalt trail to collapse. As part of the repair work, the asphalt was removed and replaced with concrete pavers. The pavers have provided a firm, accessible surface with the added ability to replace individual pieces if cracking occurs. No patching has been required after using concrete pavers.
The Parks and Recreation Department would like to resurface the entire trail with pavers. Since the trail impacts the archaeological resources of the site, removal of the asphalt and laying of the pavers must be monitored by an archaeologist. Both the cost of laying the trail and the cost of monitoring are beyond the scope of the Parks and Recreation Department budget.
In order to ensure visitor safety and to continue to provide a quality, accessible pedestrian trail experience, the Parks and Recreation Department would like to apply for the 2017 RTP Non-Motorized Trail Funds Grant. The Federal Highway Administration manages these funds through Arizona State Parks.
Financial Impact
If awarded, the grant will provide up to $60,000 to remove and replace the current trail. In addition, staff will request funding to update the educational signage along the trail. RTP Non-Motorized grants require a 5.7 percent match either in-kind or cash. Staff and volunteer time will be used towards the match. In addition, Pueblo Grande Museum's Auxiliary partner has pledged to support cash match if needed.
Concurrence/Previous Council Action
The Parks, Arts, Education and Equality Subcommittee recommended this item for approval on Nov. 30, 2016, by a vote of 4-0.
Location
Pueblo Grande Museum, 4619 E. Washington St.
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Deputy City Manager Deanna Jonovich and the Parks and Recreation Department.