HomeMy WebLinkAbout~Master - Funds for design plans for Miracle League Field and All-Inclusive Playground RESOLUTION NO. 16-638
RESOLUTION APPROVING FUNDING FOR DESIGN OF
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 towards the design the project;
and,
WHEREAS, it is being proposed that the initial capital costs for the construction of the
playground and field will be covered with approximately $1.5 million in donations obtained by a
Steering Committee; however, once constructed, the City would manage the facilities and be
responsible to pay for any ongoing operational costs, as well as capital replacement expenses; and,
WHEREAS, to assist the Steering Committee in this endeavor, the Council is being asked
to allocate$50,000 for the design of the facilities;and through the design process,drawings and cost
estimates will be developed; and,
WHEREAS,the Steering Committee believes that these two items will greatly enhance the
Committee's ability to reach its fundraising goal; and,
WHEREAS, before the final facility designs are completed and offered to the Parks and
Recreation Commission for a recommendation and City Council for final approval, the design
consultant will provide suggestions for mitigating sound and lighting issues.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Ames, Iowa,
that the appropriation of$50,000 from the Park Development Fund for the project design 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.