HomeMy WebLinkAboutA026 - Resolution approving submittal of Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Resource Enhancement and Protection grant application in the amount of $200,000 for the Moore Memorial Park Bridge ProjectITEM #:30
DATE:08-12-25
DEPT:P&R
SUBJECT:MOORE MEMORIAL PARK PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE REAP GRANT
SUBMITTAL
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
BACKGROUND:
In 1987, the Moore Family donated 90 acres of land to the City for a community park, known
today as Moore Memorial Park. Ever since the park opened, there has been no direct access
for users to the 40 acres of land west of Ioway Creek. In fact, the 40 acres had been leased to
Iowa State University for farming up until 2023. At that time the land was converted from row
crops to prairie that is filled with species that benefit pollinators as well as other native wildlife.
In an effort to provide access to those 40 acres, staff budgeted funds for a bridge as part of
the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP). The City Council approved $75,000 in year one (FY
2025/26) of the current CIP for engineering and design of a bridge to be constructed over
Ioway Creek. Year two (FY 2026/27) of the CIP has $300,000 earmarked for the bridge
construction. The proposed bridge will be approximately 110' long and ten feet wide. The
bridge will be constructed to ensure safe access for park patrons, maintenance staff and
equipment, and emergency vehicles.
In an effort to alleviate the burden on City funding, staff is in the process of completing
a grant application to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources Resource
Enhancement and Protection (REAP) program requesting $200,000 for the design and
construction of the bridge. The State of Iowa budgets funds for REAP on an annual basis
for the enhancement and protection of natural resources within Iowa. The City of Ames has
received multiple REAP grants, including the development of Moore Memorial Park.
Based on the topography of Moore Memorial and the lack of a suitable crossing over Ioway
Creek on park property, staff has had several meetings with representatives from Iowa State
University to construct the bridge on University property, just south of Moore Memorial Park on
Veenker Golf Course. The University is supported of the plan, pending approval from the Iowa
Board of Regents.
One of the benefits to the University is the ability for the Veenker Maintenance staff to utilize
the bridge to access portions of the golf course on the west side of Ioway Creek. A formal
agreement has not been approved, but will be developed in the fall of 2025, pending Council
approval.
As part of the long-range transportation plan, Walk Bike Roll Ames, and the Ames 2040 Plan,
there is a planned path connection from Moore Memorial Park to Scholl Road that connects
with Ontario Street. The construction of the bridge is first step in being able to provide that
connection.
The REAP application process requires City Council to approve the submittal of the
grant application.
1
ALTERNATIVES:
1. Authorize staff to submit a REAP grant application in the amount of $200,000 for the
design and construction of a pedestrian bridge over Ioway Creek in Moore Memorial
Park.
2. Do not authorize staff to submit a REAP grant application for this project.
3. Refer back to staff.
CITY MANAGER'S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Having access to the entire 90 acres of Moore Memorial Park has long been a goal of
the City. Constructing a bridge is a critical step in making that goal a reality. The 40
acres of prairie, west of Ioway Creek, will provide many recreational activities for
users. Therefore, it is the recommendation of the City Manager that the City Council approve
Alternative #1, as described above.
ATTACHMENT(S):
Moore Memorial Park Pedestrian Bridge Map.pdf
2
Iowa State University
Moore Memorial Park3050 Northridge PkwyCity of Ames
Proposed bridge location andpath connections
Ioway Creek
Iowa State University
Scholl Rd
Moore Memorial Park Pedestrian Bridge Map3050 Northridge Pkwy N 1 inch = 833 feet
Date : 7/31/2025
3