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Notice of Award for (AlB/CN) America in Bloom and EcoConnexions From the Ground Up grantCity of Dubuque City Council Meeting Consent Items # 10. Copyrighted January 3, 2022 ITEM TITLE: Notice of Award for (Al B/CN) America in Bloom and EcoConnexions From the Ground Up program and Approval of Grant Agreement SUMMARY: City Manager requesting acceptance of the award of the Al B/CN EcoConnexions From the Ground Up grant. SUGGESTED Suggested Disposition: Receive and File; Approve DISPOSITION: ATTACHMENTS: Description Al B/CN EcoConnexions From the Ground Up-MVM Memo Staff memo Grant Agreement Grant Award Notification Grant Application Type City Manager Memo Staff Memo Supporting Documentation Supporting Documentation Supporting Documentation THE CITY OF Dubuque DUB TEE1. All -America City Masterpiece on the Mississippi � pp zoo�•*o 13 zoi720zoi9 TO: The Honorable Mayor and City Council Members FROM: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager SUBJECT: Notice of Award for AIB/CN EcoConnexions From the Ground Up and Approval of Grant Agreement DATE: December 6, 2021 Leisure Services Manager Marie Ware requests City Council acceptance of the award of the AIB/CN EcoConnexions From the Ground Up grant in the amount of $25,000. The $30,202 match amount will be funded from the Relmagine Comiskey CIP funding currently in the Fiscal Year 2022 budget. CN EcoConnexions From the Ground Up supports collaborative community greening projects that enhance landscapes in communities neighboring CN rail lines The grant will be used for trees, shrubs, perennials, grasses, bio-basin plugs and native prairie seed and their installation at Comiskey Park. I concur with the recommendation and respectfully request Mayor and City Council approval. Mic ael C. Van Milligen MCVM:jh Attachment CC' Crenna Brumwell, City Attorney Cori Burbach, Assistant City Manager Marie Ware, Leisure Services Manager Dubuque THE CITY OF DAB E � Masterpiece on the Mississippi 2017*2 i �oo019 TO: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager FROM: Marie L. Ware, Leisure Services Manager SUBJECT: Notice of Award for AIB/CN EcoConnexions From the Ground Up and Approval of Grant Agreement DATE: 12/22/2021 INTRODUCTION The purpose of this memorandum is to provide information on the award of AIB/CN EcoConnexions From the Ground Up and approval of grant agreement. DISCUSSION Council approved our request to apply for AIB/CN EcoConnexions From the Ground Up. The grant is for trees, shrubs and native flowers and grasses related to the Re -Imagine Comiskey project to be bid and completed in 2022. On 12/17/2021, Leisure Services was notified of the award. The details of the award are below. Awarded Amount: 25000.00 Match Required: Yes Match Amount: $30,913.12 Anticipated Receipt of money: 12/1/2022 Department Contact: Marie Ware Departments Involved: Leisure Services GRANT OBJECTIVE CN EcoConnexions From the Ground Up supports collaborative community greening projects that enhance landscapes in communities neighboring CN rail lines to meet the following objectives: Enhance the quality of life in cities, villages, and townships. Promote public health benefits through the proper planting and care of trees and plants. Ensure that community landscapes provide ecosystem services — clean air and water, increased property values, reduced erosion and stormwater runoff, wildlife habitat, moderated temperatures, lessened energy demands, and year-round enjoyment. Enhance community tree canopy by properly planting diverse, quality trees for long-term sustainability and resistance to future pests. Beautify community gateways and create significant landscapes demonstrating the contribution of flowers and plants to growing community pride and economic vitality. Leverage CN EcoConnexions From the Ground Up grant support to catalyze strong and enduring community partnerships to undertake and sustain community greening efforts. Provide opportunities for CN and its neighbors to work together towards shared goals of environmental stewardship. Support long-term community greening through ongoing involvement in America in Bloom. COUNCIL GOAL(S) ADDRESSED Council Goal: Diverse Arts, Culture, Parks, and Recreation: Experiences and Activities Outcome(s) Have well-built, well -maintained and upgraded parks and park amenities Value(s) Access to quality parks, facilities and park amenities for all ACTION STEP The purpose of this memorandum is to provide information on the award of AIB/CN EcoConnexions From the Ground Up. CC: Crenna Brumwell, City Attorney Jennifer Larson, Director of Budget and Finance Cassie Ross, Assistant Director of Finance MW/mw December 17, 2021 CN EcoConnexions From the Ground Up A Community Greening Grant Program of CN and America in Bloom Grant Agreement America in Bloom PO Box 44005 Columbus, OH 43204-0005 614-453-0744 aib@AmericalnBloom.org AmericalnBloom. org The City of Dubuque, Iowa agrees to satisfactorily complete the "Re -Imagine Comiskey Park" project and accepts the following grant terms: 1. Submit a proposal with site plan, list of plants, care and maintenance plans, and budget. 2. All efforts should be made to complete the project by December 31, 2022. Any changes to project location, completion date, or substantive changes to the scope of work must be submitted to America in Bloom (AIB) for prior approval. 3. Complete the project as budgeted. Budget deviations of greater than 10% must be submitted to AIB for prior approval. Costs that exceed the grant award of $25,000 will not be reimbursed. 4. Document all expenditures eligible for reimbursement and submit receipts and proof of payment with a Final Report to AIB. 5. Contribute at least half of the cost of the project through the purchase of goods and services or with in -kind contributions of goods and services. Matching contributions must also be documented. Include dates of service, names of contributors, and value for all in -kind services. 6. Install and maintain plants as describe in the Request for Proposals and maintain plantings as per your proposed maintenance plan. Continue appropriate maintenance in perpetuity. 7. Involve community partners as described in your proposal, enhancing community participation whenever possible. 8. Coordinate project planning and implementation with America in Bloom (AIB) representatives. Accommodate AIB request for information, site visits and meetings. 9. Participate in the America in Bloom National Awards Program by enrolling in the 2022 edition by February 28, 2022. Registration fees are allowable as a matching contribution. 10. Hold a celebratory event to recognize community partners, project accomplishments and CN's financial support and AIB's technical assistance. Coordinate planning with CN and AIB representatives. 11. Install a sign or marker at project location indicating project partners were America in Bloom and the CN EcoConnexions From the Ground Up program. 12. Acknowledge "CN EcoConnexions From the Ground Up" as the source of funds in all outreach and press material. Acknowledge America in Bloom as a program partner in all outreach and press material. Note: Funds will not be disbursed until a final report with receipts has been submitted, a sign or marker has been installed, a media event held, and AIB national awards program registration has been submitted. Accepted: Michael Van Milligen City Manager For e Grant Recipient (Print name) Title January 3, 2022 Sign ture Date Laura Kunkle, America in Bloom Executive Director From: Laura Kunkle Sent: Friday, December 17, 2021 10:18 AM To: Marie Ware; samatangelo@aol.com Subject: Dubuque/CN-AIB Grant Attachments: Dubuque Iowa Grant Agreement.pdf; Dubuque lowa.pdf Caution! This message was sent from outside your organization. Allow sender I Block sender Dear Marie, On behalf of CN and America in Bloom, I would like to congratulate you on your successful application to the CN EcoConnexions From the Ground Up program. The City of Dubuque was awarded this grant based on community impact and engagement, sustainability, technical assurances, and alignment with the program's objectives. We are pleased to award you a CN EcoConnexions From the Ground Up grant for $25,000 to complete the project "Re -Imagine Comiskey Park" You will be reimbursed for eligible costs upon successful completion of the grant requirements. The budget and proposal you submitted will be your work plan. Please sign the attached grant agreement and return it to America in Bloom. Please review the agreement carefully as it outlines the expectations that must be met before the grant money is awarded. I've also attached a copy of your grant application so you have it for reference. I would like to set up a time to have a Zoom meeting with you review your project application, talk about the various requirements, and better understand your project implementation plan. You should begin planning your project immediately. All efforts should be made to complete the project by December 31, 2022. Any changes to project location, completion date, or substantive changes to the scope of work must be submitted to America in Bloom (AIB) for prior approval. What is your schedule like the first week of January for a Zoom meeting? Please propose some dates/times and I will compare with my calendar. I am on Eastern time. Once we have a date/time confirmed I will send you the Zoom meeting login info. You should also begin thinking about your community event to celebrate your project. This event will be attended by CN and America in Bloom representatives. We will discuss the event requirements when we have our Zoom meeting. Per the grant guidelines, enroll your community as a participant in the 2022 America in Bloom National Awards Program before February 28, 2022. Sue Amatangelo of America in Bloom (copied on this email) will be in touch with you about the AIB National Awards Program to ensure you understand the program and its requirements. More information is available at https://www.americainbloom.orgZprograms/national-awards-program . CN EcoConnexions From the Ground Up program, in collaboration with America in Bloom, supports collaborative community greening projects that enhance landscapes, improve quality of life in communities, and improve environmental stewardship in communities neighboring CN rail lines. Congratulations! Sincerely, Laura Kunkle America in Bloom Executive Director PO Box 44005 614-453-0744 aib@americainbloom.org From: Wufoo To: America In Bloom Subject: CN/AIB Grant Proposal Submission [#120] Date: Wednesday, December 1, 2021 6:09:09 PM Project Name Re -Imagine Comiskey Park Amount Requested (up to $25,000). Enter 25000 without symbols. Example: 25000 Name of organization/entity submitting proposal* Your Name W Your title Address Phone Number Email * Please indicate the type of organization/entity submitting proposal City of Dubuque Leisure Services Marie Ware Leisure Services Manager 2200 Bunker Hill Rd Dubuque, Iowa 52001 United States (563) 589-4264 mware@citvofdubuaue.ora Municipality If this application is being submitted in collaboration with another group(s), please list and explain. The City of Dubuque, Iowa has partnered with the National Parks Service through the Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership Program to renovate and expand the existing Comiskey Park in the north -end neighborhood of Dubuque, Iowa. The city utilized this program to develop a master plan for the park to include new amenities and a natural area for both storm water control and nature interpretation. The expansion and re -development plan totals over $1 .6 million dollars of which this project is a small portion of that. The city has also partnered with the Wellmark Foundation to assist with funding the Re -imagine Comiskey Park project. The Wellmark Foundation focuses on the development of a healthier lifestyle through healthy eating and exercise. The Wellmark grant will expand the recreation facilities in the park to encourage outdoor activities for youth in the area. Estimated number of trees to be planted Estimated number of shrubs, groundcovers, and/or flowers to be planted 11.7 1485 plus approx. 112 acre native flower and grass seed mix Species of trees, shrubs, groundcovers, and flowers to be planted. Trees - Sugar Maple, Ohio Buckeye, Swamp White Oak, Locust, Hackberry, Red Oak, Bitternut Hickory, American Elm, Sycamore Shrubs - Service Berry, Silky Dogwood, Highbush Cranberry Native Flowers - Black -Eyed Susan, Canadian Milkvetch, Butterfly Weed, Gray -headed Coneflower, Purple Prairie Clover, Common Spiderwort, Prairie Blazingstar, Wild Bergamot, Stiff Goldenrod, Prairie Mimosa, Ironweed, Prairie Cinquefoil, Round -headed Bushclover, Golden Alexanders, Beardtongue, Rattlesnake Master, Swamp Milkweed, Culvers Root, White Wild Indigo, New England Aster. Native seed mix -- Nodding Onion, Leadplant, Butterfly Weed, Sky Blue Aster, Smooth Blue Aster, New England Aster, Partridge Pea, Prairie Coreopsis, White Prairie Clover, Purple Prairie Clover, Pale Purple Coneflower, Purple Coneflower, Rattlesnake Master, Early Sunflower, Prairie Blazing Star, Wild Bergamot, Foxglove Beard Tongue, Prairie Cinquefoil, Mountain Mint, Yellow Coneflower, Black -Eyed Susan, Sweet Black -Eyed Susan, Compass Plant, Showy Goldenrod, Ohio Spiderwort, Culver's Root Native Grasses - Little Blue Stem, Prairie Dropseed, Virginia Wildrye, Prairie June Grass, Fox Sedge, Composite Dropseed, Big Bluestem, Indiangrass. Native Grass Seed -- Side Oats Gramma, Copper - Shouldered Sedge, Canadian Wild Rye, Virginia Wild Rye, June Grass, Little Bluestem Describe the proposed project in detail. Please explain how assistance from the CN EcoConnexions - From the Ground Up grant program will enhance your community's environmental, social health, and well being. (1,000 words max) NOTE: Projects CANNOT be in the CN Right of Way. The City of Dubuque, Iowa is currently working to expand and redevelop the existing Comiskey Park located in the north -end of Dubuque. This city park serves the historic Washington and North End neighborhoods. This area of Dubuque is characterized by older buildings with densely developed commercial and residential structures built on small lots served by alleys. The majority of the residents in this area are low to moderate income and are the most diverse racially and ethnically than any other area in the city. The city has recently expanded the existing 3.74-acre park with an additional 1.95 acres bringing the parks total acres to 5.69 acres. With this expansion the city has committed to redevelop the park with new amenities and incorporate green natural areas, trees and more within the re -imagined park setting. This project is important to the environment, social health and well-being specifically of this neighborhood. The Dubuque County 201 9-21 Community Health Needs Assessment Health Improvement Plan (CHNA-HIP) identified Dubuque County has 42% of adults characterized as obese and 24% are physically inactive. One goal established is to improve physical activity opportunities/ environments. Families located in Dubuque County census tracts 1, 3, 4, 5, and 6 where Comiskey serves are economically distressed. Median household incomes range from $23,109-$41,868 which is well below the national & state levels. Poverty ranges from 19.6-31 .2% compared to Iowa rate of 12.6%. Unemployment is elevated up to 7.5%. Residents near Comiskey Park also suffer from poor mobility; approximately 25% of workers 16 years and older have no access to a vehicle. The area surrounding Comiskey Park is disproportionately minority and low-income. Minority rates are 25.2- 30.7%, compared to 9.5% in Dubuque. A high percentage of residents living near Comiskey Park rely upon Food Stamps and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits (32.2% nearly three times higher than the 1 2.7% city-wide rate). The Park is heavily used by the neighborhood on a year-round basis. Even on nice days in the winter park patrons are out enjoying this open space. The homes have no yards in the front or back of the house. The Park is their yard. The Park serves up to 8,180 people per square mile creating competing demands among neighborhood residents. The Park is important to the health and social aspects of the neighborhood. The current state of the park can be described as "loved to death". The high usage over the years and tired landscape are such that it became an urban park in need of a total makeover. Critical to the planning process for the re -imagined Comiskey Park was to involve the local community in the planning process. Over the course of 12 months, seven focus group discussions were held throughout the Washington and North End neighborhoods to gain feedback from what the local citizenry wanted or expected to see at Comiskey Park. Surveys were promoted allowing individuals to weigh in on what they wanted to see in the park. Member of the Marshallese community that live in the neighborhood were among several that represented minority group input into the planning. The engagement process branded Re -Imagine Comiskey and included neighborhood groups and local neighboring support non-profit organizations plus local officials from the Department of Leisure Services, Engineering, Human Rights groups, and Planning. Another critical component in the planning process was to include discussion and ideas from local youth. One component in the planning process was a PARKitecture Workshop held at one of the local elementary schools. The event included music, dance and fun activities targeting local youth to obtain feedback on their thought process for the local neighborhood and what they want to see and experience in Comiskey Park. Input was also sought from school children in neighboring schools. The information gathered from the public input events was incorporated into a master plan for Comiskey Park and presented to the City Council for approval in April 2021. The master plan is a plan that reflects not what we as a city want to see in the park but rather what the families and children that live in these neighborhoods want in their park. The design for the new Comiskey Park includes a natural areas component in the master plan. This concept really has a two -fold approach in the master plan for Comiskey Park. The parks expansion of Comiskey Park allows for additional acres to be incorporated into the storm water flood mitigation protection project the City of Dubuque has been working on for over 10 years. The expansion of Comiskey Park will also include amenities to address the water system management which will positively affect Bee Branch Creek nearby. This project includes as bio-containment area for storm water retention. The Park redevelopment will include adding native plants to this bio-swale and nature interpretation of the plants and animals utilizing the natural area. The second feature included in the master plan development of Comiskey Park is to include natural landscapes into the park. This will include a native plant prairie area incorporating native prairie grasses and flowers to provide an attractive color mosaic throughout the growing season and a site for local interpretation of plants and animals utilizing the prairie area. This natural area will be unique within the Washington/North End Neighborhoods of Dubuque and will provide an opportunity for this urban environment and the citizens within it to experience a bit of wildness in urban Dubuque. The Re -Imagined Comiskey Park will also contain the more typical components of a new basketball courts, splashpad, playground, paved trail system, 2 pavilions, ball/soccer field with amenities to serve all those components. All the elements of the plan are what was shared during the public input processes. Those participants in the planning processes are so looking forward to this project. They are proud of the input given and to see their ideas incorporated into the plans and this project. The sense of pride in Re -Imagined Comiskey continues to grow. Describe how your community will be involved in the program, including planning, design, construction, and maintenance. How are your community volunteers and volunteer organizations expected to participate? (1,000 words max) The goal from day one of the Comiskey project was to make the planning effort for the redevelopment of Comiskey Park an engaging process for the neighbors and citizens of our community and the neighborhood that houses this park. The input received in the engagement process was to go directly into the design elements and improvements for Comiskey Park. It was to become a plan of the people for the people that live and work in this neighborhood. The engagement process began in January 2020 and included stakeholder meetings at local schools, focus groups, surveys, fairs, movie nights in the park, and utilizing existing programming in the park to solicit ideas and comments. Engaging local youth was a critical component in the community involvement process. Specific events like the PARKitecture Workshop with music, dance and events targeted local youth to attend and provide ideas about the future of Comiskey Park and what they liked or did not like about the park. There were conversations and stories, input on most important items needed in the park, park layouts and favorite activities were developed and presented. Youth also created and shared hip -hop rhymes to describe the activity they wanted to see included in the plan for the park. Multiple partners were utilized to ensure public engagement in the planning process. Some of those key organizations included.- . The Multicultural Family Center, located within walking distance of the park, helps to empower community members and build unity out of diversity in our community. The organization sponsors programs that promote long-term learning and celebrates different cultures. Many of its patron and program participants live and work in the neighborhoods surrounding Comiskey Park. The Multicultural Family Center supported the planning process by helping the city connect with the local youth and teens especially minorities through outdoor recreation experiences. • The North End Neighborhood Association, established in 1992 to work for the betterment of the neighborhood residents. Comiskey Park has been the home base for this association holding monthly meetings in the Comiskey Park Community Building, and has utilized the park for virtually all their events over their 30-year existence. The North End Neighborhood Association was very involved in the planning process for the Re -Imagine Comiskey Park master plan. • Crescent Community Health Center provides medical and dental care to individuals and families who are uninsured or underinsured in the Washington and North End Neighborhoods of Dubuque. The clinic assisted with outreach and discussions about the Comiskey Park plan with an emphasis on providing opportunities for healthier lifestyle choices for its clients and other underserved populations. We know the minority populations in this neighborhood have higher rates of diseases than other neighborhoods in our community. • Dubuque Community School District currently serves over 10,500 students in 18 schools throughout Dubuque including an Alternative Learning Center. Two elementary schools are within the Washington and North End Neighborhoods (Audubon Elementary and Fulton Elementary) directly adjacent to Comiskey Park. The school district was actively engaged in the planning process with the intention to utilize the Re -Imagined Comiskey Park as an outdoor classroom and after school events in the future. The school district and the Dubuque County Conservation have hired a naturalist as a partnership and that naturalist has plans for a curriculum that involves walking to nearby parks with natural habitats for science study. This project directly relates to this plan. the use of natives allows for discovery of the native habitat year-round. Even though the planning process was delayed for over 1 year due to a global pandemic, the final master plan development for Comiskey Park is being seen as a great success. All individuals and organizations involved in the planning process are excited to see the combined end result for a Re - Imagined Comiskey Park. Even with the "loved to death" current state of Comiskey Park the neighborhood is proud of their park. This Park is home to at least 10 community wide events every year in addition to many programs offered by the Leisure Services Department. These events include Back to School Bash, juneteenth Celebration, National Night Out, Ice Cream Social, outdoor movie nights, Keychella Fest (an LGBTQ+ community PRIDE event), NAACP Turkey Giveaway and more. Comiskey Park also served as the beginning location of many Black Lives Matter events and marches throughout 2020 and 2021. The daily summer playground program that serves two meals a day engages children from throughout the neighborhood that play and interact in activities all day long. The planning involved many of these families and they are proud and cannot wait for the actual construction. Describe how the project addresses environmental challenges and how it will be sustained. Please include how the project will receive ongoing maintenance. (1 ,000 words max) * The major environmental challenge associated with the Comiskey Park development project is the need to address the ongoing storm water challenges facing the City of Dubuque and specifically the Washington and North End neighborhoods. The city acquired an additional 1.95 acres to be added to the existing Comiskey Park property to specifically address storm water challenges in the area. Incorporated in the master plan for Comiskey Park is the addition of a bio-containment cell which will capture storm water runoff and contain this runoff into an area planted with native plant species which will uptake the stormwater runoff and nutrients thereby not allowing additional water to enter the stormwater system. The bio-swales and native seeding area planned for Comiskey Park as part of the master plan development will require minimal maintenance one established. The containment cell will be planted with native plants to uptake the water and nutrients after each rain event and prevent additional water to enter the stormwater system. Additionally, the bio-cell and native planting area will provide additional habitat for wildlife and the neighboring elementary schools can utilize this habitat area in a curriculum for educational study. This project provides pollinator habitat which will provide opportunities for wildlife, birds, butterflies, insects and more for study and observation. The current park is 100% mowed and manicured. Additional areas for critters and pollinators in our community and this neighborhood will be very beneficial to the environment. The establishment period for bio-swales and native seeding is approximately three years. The city's parks division has trained staff that will care for these areas through and after their establishment period. This project is a component of a much larger effort by the city to address major stormwater issues in this portion of the city. The City of Dubuque has actively engaged in a floodwater mitigation effort over the last 10 years specifically in the watershed area of Bee Branch Creek. These neighborhoods have been affected in the past by 7 Presidential disaster proclamations thus all the work in the watershed is very important and leads to more resiliency and prosperity in these under-resourced neighborhoods. Another component of this project is the planting of trees in the park. Comiskey Park has been devasted by the effects of the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB). Jackson Street was tree lined with ash trees. Currently only one remains as all others have died and been removed. This is also true of the trees in the Comiskey Park. Many were ash trees and have also died and been removed leaving a sparse number of trees. The project includes 15 trees and more will be added as the full master park plan is realized. The trees proposed also have species diversity which was part of the problem for the devasting tree loss to this park and neighborhood. Trees are so important to the environment and specifically in this neighborhood. Homes in this neighborhood have yards that are so small that no trees can be planted thus the park is a respite for them. Through the pandemic we understand how important parks and open spaces with trees and natural elements are to the brain health of individuals. The trees will also be cared for by the Parks Division after being planted. Describe how both America in Bloom (the program's administrator) and CN Railway (the funder) will be recognized for their contribution. Please include information on logo usage, launch events, press conferences, etc. As an inauguration event is required, please indicate how your community would envision the event. (1 ,000 words max) * The City of Dubuque Leisure Services Department in conjunction with the city leaders and all sponsors of the Re -Imagine Comiskey Park project will hold a grand re -opening event for Comiskey Park once construction is complete which is hoped to be late fall of 2023. As a City these events are not just a cut the ribbon type event. They are always filled with fun, music, food, and activities. Because the neighboring community was so involved in the planning of the park they will be heavily involved in the re -opening and celebration. Funding partners will be recognized during the park celebration and that would include America in Bloom's program administrator and the CN Railway. The City has worked and partnered with CN in many ways in most recent years. The City of Dubuque has a great relationship with the local media outlets in the community including newspaper, radio and television. Typically, we have both pre and post event coverage for events such as these and this project is highly anticipated so would expect that. A press release including logos announcing the re -opening of Comiskey Park and the celebration event will preclude the ceremony. A program is handed out at the event to those attending which highlights funders of the project and key partners. As ongoing events take place at the park, future flyers and press releases will recognize the important donors who made the park redevelopment happen. The media services department of the city completes and promotes a high -quality video that they produce after the event that is shared through numerous media sources and on the city's YouTube channel. Describe how you will measure the project's success. How will the project be evaluated for success? How will you share the results of your project? Note, in order to receive payment, you will be required to submit a final report to America in Bloom. Revitalization efforts in the Washington and North End neighborhoods of Dubuque has its challenges and limitations. Both neighborhoods are low to moderate income households with limited resources for outdoor recreation or the ability to travel for that activity. These neighborhoods are some of the most ethnically and racially diverse in the entire community of Dubuque with poverty levels well above the city average. Due to the work and connections with the Multicultural Family Center teen program we understand that many youths in these neighborhoods do not travel or have means to go beyond a 10-1 5 block radius. This means they are not able to go to county and state parks with more natural spaces. This project brings pockets of where they live and play. Success for the Re -Imagined Comiskey Park project can really be measured by the amount of collaboration and input in the planning process for this project. With the effort by all of the partners in the project the city was able to reach its citizens in this area and really get their thoughts and feedback on what the Comiskey Park should be in the future. Engagement is critical to the success of this project. It is obvious that the engagement processes have worked in the development of this master plan for Comiskey Park. Success will be measured by having youth more representative of the neighborhood participating in programs offered in the park especially those related to areas of science. This will be measured by the length of stay in the park and new interactions with the natural components within the park. The number of known school visits will be measured. Success will be as we introduce youth to the natural environment and see their curiosity bloom. The city in cooperation with the Multicultural Family Center and the North End Neighborhood Association envisions not only continuing the programs and activities at the park especially free programming while continuing to expand those activities providing more inclusion and program diversity. The partnership with the Dubuque Community School District and Dubuque County Conservation will provide programming that can engage young people and families into understanding the natural environment. Youth and families will be engaged in activities related to maintenance and seed collection as volunteers. The new natural areas and trees to be incorporated into the master plan development for Comiskey Park will provide not only sites for public exploration of some natural area, but the opportunity for educational programs and classroom study of nature literally in their backyard. Many of the residents that utilize Comiskey Park would never plan to travel to a park area for nature study or do not have the ability to travel. This piece of nature within the urban setting of Dubuque can provide a respite from the city and city life and maybe peak one's curiosity about our natural world around us. Attach budget document (10 MB limit) Attach a File Attach a File Attach a File Comments? Share any additional information you feel we should know Please indicate you understand the grant requirements as outlined at https://americainbloom.org/programs/cn- grant/. This includes, but is not limited to, matching cash and/or in -kind contributions; participation in the AIB National Awards Program; and media event with signage to recognize funders. america_in_bloom__budget_12121.pdf R 135.13 KB • PDF reimagine comiskey12hasel.j�a O 1.20 MB • JPG Comiskey_engaaement_public_report_final.pdf 0' 9.35 MB • PDF rreimagine comiskey master plan.jpa �' 1.22 MB • JPG The nature of this project is that it will be a contractor's site during construction, and this would not allow volunteers to be involved in the planting processes. The project and neighborhood need the improvements outlined in the grant application as it is our most disadvantaged neighborhood that this project invests in. The neighborhoods involvement was extremely strong in the early phases as described and will begin again after the project is established. • Yes, I understand the grant requirements. Please confirm that CN owns rail lines that • Yes, CN owns rail line that run through my run through your community. This is a community. requirement of the grant. *