ACTION REQUESTED:
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Communication from the City Manager and Director of Community Development with a Request to APPROVE the Allocation of Community Development Block Grant COVID-19 (CDBG-CV) Funds for the Rehabilitation of TREWYN PARK, in the Amount of $600,000.00.
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BACKGROUND: Trewyn Park, originally named South Park, is one of the first 5 parks in the Peoria Park District system. This neighborhood park is 10 acres in size and featured the District’s first play structure. In 1913, the pavilion that currently stands was built.
Trewyn Park’s mature tree stand, grand boulevard, and stately pavilion lend to a beauty that is not found in newer neighborhood parks. These unique features, in addition to a wide variation of topography and pathways help to shape how the park can evolve over time.
With that in mind, the Peoria Park District is looking to make several improvements to Trewyn Park. These include the addition of a new playground, two new basketball hoops, as well as a shelter. While the shelter will be entirely new to the park, the playground and basketball hoops will replace existing in different locations.
The Community Development Department will provide $600,000 in CDBG-CV funds to complete this project. CDBG-CV funds must be used for eligible CDBG activities that also prevent, prepare, or respond to coronavirus. The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has stated that the rehabilitation or creation of parks meets this criteria as it encourages outdoor activities that have limited spread of COVID-19. The CDBG funds will cover the entirety of the project. The attached timeline, concept map, and proposed budget offer additional details.
The project and funds were identified as part of the 2022/2023 budget process.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: $600,000 in CDBG-CV funds will be allocated to this project.
NEIGHBORHOOD CONCERNS: Public hearing and public comment periods are held per HUD grant requirements each year. Additionally, the Peoria Park District will hold public comment periods specifically for this project. This project will provide much-needed upgrades to this South Side park.
IMPACT IF APPROVED: Construction will begin, and $600,000 in CDBG-CV funds will be provided for this project on a reimbursement basis.
IMPACT IF DENIED: Funding for this project will not be awarded, and an alternative will have to be provided.
ALTERNATIVES: None at this time.
EEO CERTIFICATION NUMBER: 02625-220930
WHICH OF THE GOALS IDENTIFIED IN THE COUNCIL’S 2017 - 2032 STRATEGIC PLAN DOES THIS RECOMMENDATION ADVANCE?
1. Safe Peoria
2. Beautiful Peoria
3. Grow Peoria
WHICH CRITICAL SUCCESS FACTOR(S) FROM THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN DOES THIS RECOMMENDATION IMPLEMENT?
1. Reinvest in neighborhoods.
2. Reduce crime.
3. Choose an item.
DEPARTMENT: Community Development