The Chino Valley Parks and Recreation Department received the town council's approval to proceed with work on the Community Center Park's Phase III.
Jason Kelly, Parks and Recreation and Senior Services director, said now the town and foundation need local businesses and contractors to step up and contribute money, supplies or services to get it built now.
The approval came Thursday when the council approved a cooperative services agreement between the town and the Chino Valley Recreational Foundation for the development and management of public recreational facilities in Phase III of the park.
Kelly said the foundation came into existence in 1992 "to assist, promote and develop recreational facilities in Chino Valley."
It first helped the town with the design and engineering of the Aquatic Center. Since then, the foundation has helped the town with fundraising efforts for additional park and recreation development.
Kelly said this partnership will enable the foundation to help raise money and services to build the $1.15 million Phase 3 project, which consists of eight acres of passive recreational features including an outdoor amphitheater, dog park, trail system, picnic areas, native landscaping, parking and marquee.
He said the town has a $575,000 Arizona State Parks Heritage Grant that is a 50 percent matching grant. State officials notified the town on Feb. 27 that the Phase 3 grant was suspended. On Sept. 22, Kelly said, the state officials notified the town that they have reinstated the Phase 3 grant. It is good until Oct. 12, 2010.
However, Kelly said, the Legislature can sweep the grant or terminate it at any time, so it is crucial the town move forward on this project quickly.
"We've got to get as much done as quickly as possible," Vice Mayor Ron Romley agreed.
Kelly said this grant is the project's keystone since it can bring in more money. The town and foundation have an opportunity to grow $100,000 into $200,000 by reinvesting the matching funds or services 50 percent match back into the project.
Previously, Kelly said, the council approved the expenditure of up to $149,825 to build a dog park on 1.25 acres in the northeastern corner of the park. The state will reimburse the town $74,912.50. Therefore, he said the foundation and other interested parties and businesses must provide the balance.
The emphasis currently is on the dog park with the other amenities to follow when money becomes available.
Kelly said Prescott Newspapers, Inc. has pledged $100,000 for the construction of the amphitheatre. "We have $40,000 of its pledge in an account," he said.
The Yavapai Prescott Indian Tribe has donated $25,000 for a raised pavilion on Territorial Point, the highest point in Phase III. Also, Territorial Point will separate the 1.25-acre dog park and the amphitheater.
Under the agreement, the foundation is responsible for fundraising, hiring general and sub-contractors when applicable, and assisting with the maintenance of the developments within Phase III.
Kelly said the town is responsible for seeing the foundation adheres to the grant's guidelines, and operates as the project manager.
"I believe because of how the grant's guidelines exist, the opportunity to build the project exists," he said. "The state can reimburse for 50 percent of the time and effort spent on the project from Cub Scouts planting trees to contractors with earthmovers sculpting the project.
"We seek to reinvest the state's matching money to partnership with area merchants so we can build this park."
"This is a true opportunity for people to leave a legacy as the town has the opportunity to name benches, pavilions, etc. after the donors," Kelly said.
Also, he said, with the town's relationship with the foundation, donors have an opportunity for a tax write-off.
Kelly has already received a commitment of the donation of time from a community development's representative to help.
Anyone who has questions about the project or wishes to contribute money, supplies or services for work on Phase III should call Kelly at 636-9780 ext. 7051.
Reader Comments
Posted: Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Article comment by:
Silence Dogood
The town's budget is still in the hole, courtesy of "you know who!" The state is taken to selling off its property to get money, laying people off, while closing offices and will probably give us a 1% sales tax increase, as they have with the state property tax levy and they are still broke! How can they afford to give almost $600,000.00 away in a grant? Is the state printing money too? The local contractors and businesses are suffering enough and shouldn't have to give to the out stretched hands of the town, who is too poor to do this on their own!
Get serious Chino Valley,
where are your priorities?
Posted: Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Article comment by:
No name provided
$149,825 to build a dog park?!?
Posted: Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Article comment by:
An American
while all will agree a park is a good thing, didnt chino threaten to close the pool last year for lack of funds? now we are going to expand the parks and recreation department?...just because its on sale does not mean you can afford it or need it!... from the federal level down to the smallest town its all about make it bigger and spend that money! you've run out of the peoples money, can't you understand that?
