 |
|
|
|
|
| 12/31/2008 12:48:00 PM | Email this article • Print this article | Buena Vista to get $200,000 GOCO grant for River Park
by the Town of Buena Vista
The Town of Buena Vista was notified by the Great Outdoors Colorado board that the Town's request for $200,000 from the Local Parks and Outdoor Recreation Grant Program has been approved.
Nineteen projects from a pool of 35 applications were awarded a total of $2,874,091 in this cycle.
Goal of the project is to complete Phase Two development of the Buena Vista River Park. Elements of the project include construction of two more whitewater structures, modification of three existing structures, and construction of a small town park, including two bouldering rocks, parking, trail connections and open play areas.
Total cost of the project is $293,700, including matching cash and in-kind contributions. The South Main Neighborhood and the Buena Vista Whitewater Project Committee (a local group of volunteers dedicated to fundraising for development of the whitewater park) have pledged cash of $32,595 and $35,350 in-kind.
The Town has pledged $2760 of in-kind support. In addition, local government will contribute the remaining $22,995 cash match required to complete the project.
In a letter to the Chaffee County Commissioners, Mayor Cara Russell asked the County to contribute a portion of the local cash match. The Town's portion will come from its 2009 Conservation Trust Fund allocation.
Dustin and Katie Urban from the South Main Neighborhood spearheaded the community-based effort to get a GOCO grant for implementation of Phase Two. Katie said they "are really excited and think it will be great for the town." Katie and her husband spent two months doing the research and preparing the grant proposal.
Dr. Eric Gibb, local family physician, said of the project in a letter of support that it is "a marvelous addition to our town's recreational possibilities." He thinks new outdoor activities that the park will provide "can only make us healthier." The Mountain Medical Clinic where he practices with two partners has pledged a small cash contribution to the project.
In another letter of support, Keith and Evelyn Baker, owners of The Trailhead, said that they look forward to the park "providing a place for visitors and locals to enjoy multiple aspects of the Buena Vista area." The Trailhead will be involved in fundraising efforts and plans to make a cash contribution to the project.
Bill Dobson, president of the Buena Vista Rotary, said in a letter of support that "the additional features proposed for the park will really enhance the opportunities for our kids to participate in healthy outdoor activities."
Andrew Miller from the Boys & Girls Clubs of Buena Vista echoed this sentiment in a letter of support, noting that the "climbing areas and other enhancements make recreational opportunities for ... members even more diverse."
According to Town of Buena Vista administrator Sue Boyd, "staff will participate in a teleconference early in January to learn about expectations and reporting requirements for the grant. Final design and permitting is expected by May so that park construction can begin and be completed before the end of the building season in 2009.
Construction of the whitewater features is expected to begin in the fall of 2009 for targeted completion before the start of whitewater season in 2010."
|
Article Comment Submission Form
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Web Site contains material which is protected by international Copyright and trademark laws. No material may be copied, reproduced, republished, broadcast or distributed in any way or decompiled, except that you may download one copy of the Materials on any single computer for your personal, non-commercial home use only, provided you keep intact all copyright and other proprietary notices. On-line publication, Copyright 2007, The Chaffee County Times. This site is updated every Thursday. 209 E. Main St., Buena Vista, Colorado. Phone 719-395-8621
Software © 1998-2010 1up! Software, All Rights Reserved
|
|
|
|
