Title
Resolution to Amend the Fiscal Year 2024 Council Approved Budget to Accept and Appropriate, to the Grants Fund, the Get Outdoors Fund Grant Awarded by the Virginia Outdoor Foundation
Purpose
PURPOSE/BACKGROUND:
The City of Hampton has been awarded grant funds through the Virginia Outdoors Foundation's Get Outdoors Fund to support the purchase of all-terrain wheelchairs for Bluebird Gap Farm. This item is a request to approve the grant and allocation of funds to support this project.
Discussion:
Established in 2020, the Virginia Outdoors Foundation’s Get Outdoors (GO) Fund provides grants for projects that increase access to safe open space in Virginia’s communities, especially those that are undeserved. Some examples of project types include planning, capacity building, programming, and infrastructure, although priority will be given to shovel-ready projects with tangible, measurable results. The intent of the program is to serve as a flexible, adaptable tool to be used to address communities’ needs.
The City of Hampton has been awarded a grant in the amount of $14,000 to support the purchase of all-terrain wheelchairs for use at Bluebird Gap Farm (the “Farm”) and to make any necessary trail modifications. The all-terrain wheelchairs will be available for park patrons to use free of charge.
This opportunity can serve as a sort of pilot program to see how the Department of Parks, Recreation and Leisure Services can secure grant funding for other accessibility projects that would increase the quality of life for many in our community.
Impact:
This is a sizeable investment in the Farm (approximately 23% of the yearly operating budget) and will fill a need for our patrons by increasing accessibility at the Farm.
Recommendation:
Rec
Approve.
Body
WHEREAS, the City of Hampton has been awarded a Get Outdoors Fund grant in the amount of $14,000 from the Virginia Outdoors Foundation (the "VOF Grant");
WHEREAS, the VOF Grant award will be used by the Department of Parks, Recreation and Leisure Services to purchase all-terrain wheelchairs for use at Bluebird Gap Farm and to make any necessary trail modifications;
WHEREAS, the VOF Grant does not require local match; and
WHEREAS, the VOF Grant award covers the period of November 13, 2023 through November 14, 2025.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Hampton, Virginia hereby amends the Fiscal Year 2024 Council Approved Budget to accept and appropriate to the Grants Fund, the Get Outdoors Fund grant in the amount of $14,000; and any supplemental funding, awarded by the Virginia Outdoors Foundation in accordance with the grant agreement.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City Council authorizes the City Manager, or her designee, to take any and all actions necessary to implement this grant award, including execution of the relevant grant agreement upon approval by the City Attorney.