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HomeMy WebLinkAbout~Master - Miracle League Field and All-Inclusive Playground location at Inis Grove Park RESOLUTION NO. 16-637 RESOLUTION APPROVING INIS GROVE AS LOCATION FOR MIRACLE LEAGUE FIELD AND ALL-INCLUSIVE PLAYGROUND FOR THE CITY OF AMES WHEREAS, in July 2015, the Parks and Recreation Director was approached by representatives from the Arc of Story County and Friendship Ark Homes to discuss the possibility of adding an All-Inclusive Playground to the City's park system; and, WHEREAS, as a result of this discussion, it was decided to go to Ankeny to visit the playground and meet with Ankeny Parks and Recreation staff to learn more about the process Ankeny used to get the facility built; Ankeny's facility includes an All-Inclusive Playground, a Miracle League Field, and a building/shelter which houses a concession stand and restrooms; and, WHEREAS, after this visit, there was a great deal of excitement to pursue not only a playground,but a Miracle League Field as well; it was decided to see if other organizations had an interest in pursuing these facilities; and, WHEREAS, in August 2015, an Exploration Committee with representatives from the Arc of Story County, Friendship Ark Homes, City of Ames, Mainstream Living, Ames Community School District, and Ames Foundation met to discuss interest in the project; this group felt there is a need for these features in Ames as there are over 500 children and 300 adults in Story County with intellectual and developmental disabilities; and, WHEREAS, there is no playground like this or Miracle League Field in Story County, and a universal concept would allow individuals of all abilities to play together on one structure; and, WHEREAS,from September 2015 to January 2016,the Exploration Committee determined there is enough interest within the community to pursue this project,and was presented to the Parks and Recreation Commission, which recommended $50,000 be put toward the project; and, WHEREAS, for more than nine months, there has been discussion regarding possible locations, as well as the pros and cons associated with each location; and, in all,more than 15 sites were reviewed(some City-owned and some not); and, WHEREAS,after reviewing all of the possible City park land options,at its September 2016 meeting, the Parks and Recreation Commission unanimously recommended that the All-Inclusive Playground and Miracle League Field be placed in Inis Grove Park; and, WHEREAS, the City Council must now determine if the Playground and Miracle Field should be located at a City Park; and, WHEREAS, staff indicates that given the fact that these new facilities will be available for the total community and will provide recreational opportunities that do not currently exist in Ames, incorporating the Miracle League Field and All-Inclusive Playground into the park system seems justified; and, WHEREAS,if the City Council believes it is preferable that these facilities be located in the Ames park system, it appears that the preferred site, as recommended by the Parks and Recreation Commission, is at Inis Grove Park. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Ames, Iowa, that the placement of the Miracle League Field and All-Inclusive Playground in Inis Grove Park is hereby approved. ADOPTED THIS 25th day of October, 2016. A. Diane R. Voss, City Clerk Ann H. Campbell, Mayor Introduced by: Gartin Seconded by: Orazem Voting aye: Beatty-Hansen, Gartin,Nelson, Orazem Voting nay: Betcher Abstaining: Corrieri Absent: None Resolution declared adopted and signed by the Mayor this 25th day of October, 2016.