The redevelopment of the West University Neighborhood Park moved closer to reality on Thursday as residents at the West University Neighbors meeting brainstormed ideas for getting local neighbors, businesses and the University community to contribute labor and supplies for the park.
The next step is to gather pledges of support from neighborhood residents and businesses in order to apply for the city’s Neighborhood Matching Grant, where the city would help fund the rebuilding of the East 14th Avenue park.
WUN Chairwoman Deborah Healey said the group is hoping to apply for a $17,000 matching grant from the city for the park, which must be matched by the neighborhood in equal value through donated money, labor and materials. WUN members are hoping to solicit donated supplies and volunteer labor from the neighborhood to help match the city grant.
Neighborhood Services Manager Beth Bridges said the grant applications and the pledges are due March 9. She said the pledges from neighbors and businesses, which are tax deductible, have to match the amount that the neighborhood is applying for from the city.
Volunteer labor is counted as a grant match, equal to $16 an hour, Bridges said. A professional such as an electrician can volunteer their labor and count it at his or her typical rate.
University students and residents worked together in redesigning the park at two design sessions in January, coming up with two design alternatives.
“We don’t have the final plan for the park laid out right now, because right now we need ideas for how we would put it together,” Healey said.
Residents are hoping that the new park will have several necessities such as benches, pathways, a children’s’ play area, lighting, kiosks and Wi-Fi Internet access.
WUN member Steven Baker said property owner Bob Quinney, who is building an apartment complex adjacent to the park, agreed to install wireless equipment for the service in the building. Baker said the service may be paid for by the city’s telecommunications fund.
Other necessities such as benches, lighting and pathway stones would either have to be purchased by the matching grant or be donated or purchased by the neighborhood.
Anybody who is interested in learning more about volunteering or donating supplies can contact Healey by e-mail at [email protected].
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