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Approve Reimagine Comiskey Park-Phase 2 National Park Service Outdoor Recreation Legacy Grant Application SubmissionCity of Dubuque City Council Meeting Action Items # 03. Copyrighted March 4, 2024 ITEM TITLE: Approve Reimagine Comiskey Park -Phase 2 National Park Service Outdoor Recreation Legacy Grant Application Submission SUMMARY: City Manager recommending City Council approval of the Reimagine Comiskey Park -Phase 2 National Park Service Outdoor Recreation Legacy Grant application submission and adopt the resolution. SUGGESTED DISPOSITION: ATTACHMENTS: Description MVM Memo Staff Memo Resolution RESOLUTION Authorizing the Mayor to execute an application for the National Park Service Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership Program Grant and authorizing the Leisure Services Director and the City Manager to approve the application Suggested Disposition: Receive and File; Adopt Resolution(s) Grant Application_Uploaded 3.4.24 Type City Manager Memo Staff Memo 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: Approve Reimagine Comiskey Park -Phase 2 National Park Service Outdoor Recreation Legacy Grant Application Submission DATE: February 29, 2024 Leisure Services Director Marie Ware is recommending City Council approval of the Reimagine Comiskey Park -Phase 2 National Park Service Outdoor Recreation Legacy Grant application submission and adopt the resolution. Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership (ORLP) funding will support recreational improvements at Comiskey Park. The project will provide residents in the North End and Washington neighborhoods with greater opportunities for play and leisure activities. Federal investment will support: • Construction of two full-size basketball courts; • Development of new shaded picnic areas-, • Replacement of an older basketball court, skate spot, and tennis court with a multi- use playing field-, • Building trails throughout the park-, • Establishment of a new park entryway; • Creation of a 53-stall parking lot-, and • Additional landscaping including trees and native plantings. I concur with the recommendation and respectfully request Mayor and City Council approval. v Mic ael C. Van Milligen MCVM:sv Attachment cc: Crenna Brumwell, City Attorney Cori Burbach, Assistant City Manager Marie Ware, Leisure Services Director (list continues next page) Jenny Larson, Chief Financial Officer Nathan Kelleher, Budget/Financial Analyst Steve Fehsal, Park Division Manager Jared Charland, Project and Facilities Manager THE CITY OF DUB E Masterpiece on the Mississippi TO: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager FROM: Marie L. Ware, Leisure Services Manager Dubuque MI -America City 2007*2012-2013 2017*2019 SUBJECT: Approve Reimagine Comiskey Park -Phase 2 National Park Service Outdoor Recreation Legacy Grant Application Submission DATE: February 29, 2024 INTRODUCTION The purpose of this memo is to request Mayor and City Council approval of the Reimagine Comiskey Park -Phase 2 National Park Service Outdoor Recreation Legacy Grant application submission and adopt the resolution. BACKGROUND In July of 2023 Reimagine Comiskey Park Phase 1 opened to the public. Since before that time staff have been searching for grants to assist with Phase 2 funding. The Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership program assisted in funding Phase 1. Prior to this round 7 funding communities were not eligible to reapply for a second grant on the same property. The round 7 Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for ORLP was changed to allow this making it a grant that could be sought again. DISCUSSION Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership (ORLP) funding will support recreational improvements at Comiskey Park in Dubuque, Iowa. The project will provide disadvantaged residents in the North End and Washington neighborhoods with greater opportunities for play and leisure activities. National Park Service (NPS) resources will benefit people who live in Census Tract 19061000500, with 24.1 % poverty (compared to 12.5% nationally), a median household income of $37,952 (less than the national level of $75,149), and a significant minority population (23.7%). Federal investment will support: • Construction of two full-size basketball courts; Development of new shaded picnic areas; Replacement of an older basketball court, skate spot, and tennis court with a multi- use playing field; Building trails throughout the park; • Establishment of a new park entryway; • Creation of a 53-stall parking lot; and • Additional landscaping including trees and native plantings. Rehabilitation of Comiskey Park will transform this loved to death public space. The proposed improvements are a result of the extensive "Re -Imagine Comiskey" community engagement process (supported with a previous ORLP grant) that involved input sessions, focus groups, community surveys, and a music -infused Hip Hop PARKitecture workshop designed for children ages 10-17. Key planning participants included local neighborhood associations, the Dubuque Community School District youth, youth organizations, and non-profit community partners. All proposed work can be completed within 1 1/2 years. The City will break ground at Comiskey Park within 1/2 year. Key project milestones include completion of final design (December 2024, pre -agreement), permits secured (August 2025), construction commences (June 2026), and park re -opening (July 2027). Anticipated Amount: $1,973,850 Match Required: Yes Match Funding Source: City of Dubuque capital funding (FY26) $1,697,000 and City of Dubuque CDBG funding FY 24 and FY 25 $276,850 Match Amount: $1,973,850 Application Due Date: 3/1/24 Anticipated Notification Date: 11 /1 /2025 Anticipated Receipt of money: 7/30/27 Departments Involved: Leisure Services, Engineering GRANT OBJECTIVE The purpose of the National Park Service Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership program (ORLP) grant is to provide significantly improved recreation opportunities in urban, disadvantaged communities, consistent with the purposes and requirements of the LWCF Act and LWCF manual. The meet ORLP objectives and goals, the project must meet recreational goals as identified in and align with at least one priority of Iowa's State Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP), be located in a city of population 30,000 or more and be located within a census tract that is determined to be disadvantaged per the Climate and Environmental Justice Screening Tool. Dubuque meets all those. The ORLP Round 7 program competition priorities are projects that as green and blue spaces, and tree cover help to cool the air, reduce pollution, and have positive effects on mental and physical health, nature -based projects will earn a 5-point bonus. Nature - based projects are those where nature is a major element of, or strongly supports, the proposed recreational activity. Additional benefits may include, but are not limited to, projects that: expand public -private partnerships to leverage matching share resources, provide economic benefits to the local community, use sustainable design/materials, include site features that consider the needs of all demographics, and/or involve the redevelopment of blighted or distressed property. There is no opportunity to reapply for these funds if granted this phase two project as the ORLP grant can only be used two times for the same location. GOAL(S) ADDRESSED Council Goal: Diverse Arts, Culture, Parks, and Recreation: Experiences and Activities Outcome Have well-built, well maintained and upgraded parks, parks amenities and recreational/park facilities Values(s) Choice for residents' leisure time Family -oriented activities for all generations Accessible, equitable and diverse recreational and enrichment programs, facilities and activities Enriches quality of life Access to quality parks, facilities and park amenities for all ACTION REQUESTED I respectfully request Mayor and City Council approval of the Reimagine Comiskey Park -Phase 2 National Park Service Outdoor Recreation Legacy Grant application submission and adopt the resolution. cc: Jenny Larson, Chief Financial Officer Nathan Kelleher, Budget/Financial Analyst Steve Fehsal, Park Division Manager Jared Charland, Project and Facilities Manager 3 Prepared by Marie Ware Leisure Services 2200 Bunker Hill Rd. Dubuque IA 52001 563 589-4262 Return to Adrienne N. Breitfelder, City Clerk, 50 W. 13t' St., Dubuque, IA 52001, (563) 589-4100 RESOLUTION NO. 54-24 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE AN APPLICATION FOR THE NATIONAL PARK SERVICE OUTDOOR RECREATION LEGACY PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM GRANT AND AUTHORIZING THE LEISURE SERVICES DIRECTOR AND THE CITY MANAGER TO APPROVE THE APPLICATION Whereas, the City of Dubuque wishes to find matching funds for already budgeted funds to complete the Comiskey Park renovation; and Whereas, the City of Dubuque proposes to apply for funding through the National Park Service Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership Program for Phase 2. NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DUBUQUE, IOWA, THAT: Section 1. That the Mayor hereby is authorized and directed to submit an application for the Reimagine Comiskey Park -Phase 2 project on behalf of the City of Dubuque. Section 2. That the Leisure Services Director and the City Manager are hereby authorized to approve the application that is submitted to Jessica Flatt. Section 2. That the City Manager is hereby authorized and directed to forward said application and resulting standard executed contract to the respective agencies in a timely fashion and as required by the Iowa Deparment of Natural Resources. Passed, approved and adopted this 4th day of March 2024. i w- Brad r r r • Attest: Adrienne N. Breitfelder, City Clerk Iowa Department of Natural Resources Land and Water Conservation Fund, Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership (ORLP) Program Round 7 Project Narrative (10 Page Limit, 12-point font) A. PROJECT DATA PAGE (1 page limit) State Contact Name: Jessica Flatt Email: jessica.flatt@idnr.iow.gov Project Sponsor & Contact Name: City of Dubuque, Leisure Services Director Marie Ware Email: mware@cityofdubuque,org Name of Park/Property: Comiskey Park Project Title: Reimagine Comiskey Park- Phase 2 Name of Property Title Holder: City of Dubuque Project Property Address/Location: 255 East 24th Street, Dubuque, Iowa 52001 Project City's 2020 Census Population (must be over 30,000): 59,667 Project site and community(ies) served listed by Census Tract number: 19061000500 Select the Applicable Project Type: ❑ Acquisition X❑ New Development ❑X Renovation ❑ Combo Acquisition/Development Select the Applicable Project Result: ❑ New Park X❑ Expanded Existing Park ❑ Neither Expanded nor New Park Indicate if the park or site was assisted through a previous ORLP, LWCE, Urban Park and Recreation Recovery (UPARR) grant and/or was it obtained through the Federal Parks to Lands program: ❑X ORLP ❑ LWCF ❑ UPARR ❑ FLP ❑ Park has not been assisted with any of these funds/programs. List date of assistance, amount, and work funded/land purchased if assistance received: March 1, 2018 Work funded in pre►►ious ORLP grant The 3.74-acre Comiskey Park serves as the only convenient outdoor space for Dubuque's low-income Washington and North End Neighborhoods. Existing amenities (playground equipment, skate park, tennis court, basketball courts, softball field, soccer goals, community center) were overused and did not meet current recreation demands. The City of Dubuque purchased an adjacent 1.95 acre parcel to expand Comiskey Park. Expansion efforts increased recreation access, enhance quality of life and improve health outcomes for Dubuque's disadvantaged households. A community engagement and planning process led to improvements outlined in the grant including a splash park, additional basketball court, all-inclusive playground equipment, trees, shade structures and benches and park amenities. 12/2023 tm[ DNR Form 542-0529 Narrative PROJECT SUMMARY Wo to 250 words Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership (ORLP) funding will support recreational improvements at Comiskey Park in Dubuque, Iowa. The project will provide disadvantaged residents in the North End and Washington neighborhoods with greater opportunities for play and leisure activities. National Park Service (NPS) resources will benefit people who live in Census Tract 19061000500, with 24.1 % poverty (compared to 12.5% nationally), a median household income of $37,952 (less than the national level of $75,149), and a significant minority population (23.7%). Federal investment will support: • Construction of two full-size basketball courts; • Development of new shaded picnic areas; • Replacement of an older basketball court, skate spot, and tennis court with a multi -use playing field; • Building trails throughout the park; • Establishment of a new park entryway; • Creation of a 53-stall parking lot; and • Additional landscaping including trees and native plantings. Rehabilitation of Comiskey Park will transform this loved to death public space. The proposed improvements are a result of the extensive "Re -Imagine Comiskey" community engagement rp ocess (supported with a previous ORLP grant) that involved input sessions, focus groups, community surveys, and a music -infused Hip Hop PARKitecture workshop designed for children ages 10-17. Key planning participants included local neighborhood associations, the Dubuque Community School District youth, youth organizations, and non-profit community partners. All proposed work can be completed within 1 1/2 years. The City will break ground at Comiskey Park within 1/2 year. Key project milestones include completion of final design (December 2024, pre -agreement), permits secured (August 2025), construction commences (June 2026), and park re -opening (July 2027). 11Page B. PROJECT OVERVIEW (2-page limit) Dubuque seeks ORLP funding to support recreational improvements at Comiskey Park (255 East 24t" Street). The property sits within Census Tract 19061000500, identified as "disadvantaged" by the White House Council on Environmental Quality's Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool (CEJST). Comiskey Park is a 5.7-acre public space that includes numerous recreational features, including a signature playground, splash pad, 2 outdoor basketball courts, 3 shaded picnic shelters, skate spot, tennis court, softball/baseball field, open space for other activities, and the existing Comiskey building which provides restrooms for the park. The eastern approximately 1/3 of the park is new development and the western 2/3 is redevelopment. A 2017 ORLP grant helped to begin Comiskey Park's transformation into a showcase neighborhood attraction. This second phase of work will complete the vision established through the "Re -Imagine Comiskey" community engagement process. Comiskey Park is the only convenient outdoor space for Dubuque's historic North End and Washington neighborhoods. This area is characterized by older building stock on small lots. The majority of residents in these neighborhoods are low- to moderate -income, and are diverse racially and ethnically compared to the city as a whole. Census Tract 19061000500 has higher poverty (24.1 %, compared to 12.5% nationally), lower median household income ($37,952 compared to $75,149 across the United States), and a significant minority population (23.7%). Recreational improvement efforts at Comiskey Park will increase park access, enhance quality of life, and mitigate health disparities for disadvantaged households in Dubuque. With federal investment, Dubuque will conduct the following improvements (see site plan): • Basketball courts — One colorful basketball court (see photo) was developed with 2017 ORLP funding. Opened in 2023, demand at the facility for court time is high. Additional funding is required to build two more full-size basketball courts. • Multi -use pla_yinp- field — The old basketball court and skate spot are at end of useful life and will be removed. The never used tennis court and softball infield will be removed. These will be replaced with a new, well -drained, multi -use playing field. The phase 1 playground and splash pad removed multi -use lawn playing field and this proposed project when complete will end with a larger lawn area clear of obstacles. A large multi -use field is needed at Comiskey Park to accommodate a variety of sports, open recreation play. Community input highly rated an open field for sports, lawn games, and recreation. • Play area —Anew hard surface play area adjacent to the 2 new basketball courts encourages open recreation by children of all ages and abilities. • Trails — Dubuque will construct fully accessible concrete pathways throughout the public space to provide better accessibility to park features and promote healthy living. • Shaded structures and amenities — Families in the North End and Washington neighborhoods are very active in Comiskey Park seven days a week. It is one of Dubuque's busiest parks all year long both before and after Phase 1 and will increase with phase 2. On Sundays, after church services, Marshallese residents will gather for a full day of picnicing and play. 6 new shaded structures, 7 grills, 12 picnic tables, 4 seat walls, 18 benches and a drinking fountain will be added. The current structures are used heavily for parties and gatherings as people have small houses thus more are needed. Picnic areas, shade, and grills rated high in public engagement. 21Page Seating — Benches and seat walls will be installed around the new basketball courts and picnic area. Where possible, these amenities will be curved and/or placed to encourage conversations among neighborhood residents. This was very successful in Phase 1. More seating was highly recommended in public engagement. Park entryway — A new entryway to Comiskey Park mirroring the current 2411 and Jackson entry will be created 25th Street and Jackson Street, across from the Dubuque Marshallese New Hope church. Community input favored keeping the existing fence along Jackson and 25th Streets but removing the fence at the corner for better park access and an accessible entry.. Parking lot An old 18-stall parking lot will be removed to support new shade structures and picnicking adjacent to the splash pad. A new 53-stall parking lot will be constructed near the proposed basketball courts, providing greater access to the park and serving as a trailhead for the adjacent Heritage Trail extension. The parking lot includes two parking spaces for persons with disabilities. A larger parking lot is crucial as this neighborhood has street parking for residents due to small lots with one car or no garage. The lot is needed so park use traffic does not negatively impact the neighborhood. Bike loons —18 bike loops will be provided throughout the park supporting alternative transportation modes. Lighting — Community input highlighted safety and lighting was called out as important component to increased safety which also promotes after-hours activities, and contributes to the overall aesthetic appeal of the park. New pedestrian lighting will be installed along trails and streets. The 2 new basketball courts will be lit for extended play. Landsca in — Trees, native and perennial plants, and stormwater management areas containing native plants will be added. Shade was very important in community engagement and trees specifically were called out as very important. The need for park amenities is growing within the city. All the proposed improvements are new development activities, aimed at expanding recreational opportunities at Comiskey Park. The identified features have been prioritized by the community, which will benefit residents of Census Tract 19061000500. There are no constraints to developing the recommended recreational elements at the site. Overhead electric lines parallel 24th Street, partially along Jackson Street, and the eastern line of the park. Dubuque has engaged with the public multiple times over the last several years, supported with the 2017 ORLP funding. Branded "Re -Imagine Comiskey," the process included a broad cross- section of the community — North End and Washington neighborhood residents, park patrons, local businesses, and other organizations. Saiki Design was selected to assist with community input. Subcontractor Urban Assets brought on -the -ground equity experience. Michael Ford of BrandNu Design, known as the Hip Hop Architect, added another dimension with his use of music and other forms of expression to attract marginalized residents who typically do not get involved in capital project planning. The consultants, along with Dubuque's Leisure Services, Engineering, Human Rights, Planning, and Neighborhood Development departments, created a Comiskey Park master plan that directly represents the views of participating stakeholders and residents. ORLP investment will help Dubuque provide an array of outdoor amenities and establish a greater passive/active recreation balance that people of all ages and interests can enjoy. The project responds to the recreational demands of the community. 31Page C. PROJECT CRITERIA INFORMATION (up to 7 pages) Criterion I — Project Merit (50-points) Recreational demand is high in Dubuque. Limited downtown parks and deteriorating conditions at many of these facilities create barriers for residents seeking to enjoy the outdoors. The City must invest in and strengthen its park system to meet expanding needs. The proposed improvements at Comiskey Park help to enhance recreational opportunities for some of Dubuque's most economically -disadvantaged populations. Comiskey Park is a recreational asset that serves the marginalized North End and Washington neighborhoods. Located at 255 East 241h Street, the facility sits in Census Tract 19061000500, identified as "disadvantaged" by CEJST. Census Tract 19061000500 suffers from poor quality housing stock, income inequality, and economic disinvestment. This area includes a significant minority population (23.7%), with strong Black (13.8%), Hispanic (4.5%), and Pacific Islander (3.6%) representation. The U.S. Census Bureau reports poverty rates of 24.1% in the area, more than twice the county (10.0%) and state (11.1 %) levels. The household median income in the neighborhoods surrounding Comiskey Park is $37,952, well below the Iowa ($70,571) and United States ($75,149) measures. Exactly 33.9% of households in Census Tract 19061000500 rely upon Food Stamp benefits. The North End and Washington neighborhoods include significant numbers of children under 18 (22.1%), seniors 65 and over (13.6%), and disabled residents (19.7%). In total, approximately 5,842 people live within a 0.5-mile radius of Comiskey Park and 15,142 residents are within 1.0 mile of the facility. There are limited close -to -home outdoor recreation sites within the project area. Within 0.5 mile or a 10-minute walk of Comiskey Park, only the 1- mile Bee Branch Creek Greenway (multi -use trail, outdoor amphitheater, garden, and bioswale boardwalk), 1-acre Burden Park (basketball court, playground), and 3-acre Madison Park (playground, shelter) exist. A number of smaller neighborhood parks sit within 1.0 mile of Comiskey Park, including the 1-acre Avon (playground), 0.2-acre Elmwood Green Park (open space), 9-acre Gay Park (baseball/softball field, basketball court, playground), 0.2-acre Grant Park (open space), 2-acre Jackson (playground), 0.2-acre Orange Park (playground), 0.5-acre Pinard Park (playground), and 0.1-acre Rocco Buda Jr. Park (playground, shelter). Many of these facilities are not easily accessible for many North End and Washington neighborhood residents due to transportation and natural barriers including bluffs (Madison, Gay, Rocco Buda Jr, Elmwood Garden, and Avon). Nature -based Solution Due to small lot sizes, there is little open space in the North End and Washington neighborhoods. ORLP funding will support the development of a large, grass multi -use playing field where residents can gather for sports and other recreational activities creatin a large open space. Trails through the outdoor public space will encourage regular exercise and healthier lifestyles. Along one trail in the eastern portion of the park is a linear area of native grasses and forties near benches and a shade structure creating a passive nature element to the active park. The enhanced natural components includes new trees, new stormwater management bioswale, 6 decorative planting beds of perennial plants. The park was devastated by Emerald Ash Borer and only had 8 trees remaining in the park. The 2017 ORLP grant added 9 and this grant would add an additional 54 trees. Jackson Street was a tree lined street before EAB and only one tree currently remains. This project will 41Page create tree lined streets. Trees and shade were highly desired additions in public engagement especially in active areas of the park for spectators. The trees will be maintained after planting and grant close out by the Multicultural Family Center Teen Resiliency Corps through a US Forest Service Urban Forestry grant. Community Engagement Dubuque conducted various community engagement activities which led to the development of the Comiskey Park master plan, supported with ORLP funding. In 2019, the City's Leisure Services Department, in partnership with a consulting team, launched the "Re -Imagine Comiskey" campaign to gather input from the community on how to improve the public space. Outreach tools used were the Leisure Services website, social media, media releases, email blasts, information provided through the school district to students, informational flyers circulated by partners and posted throughout the neighborhoods, banner and posters at the park, and more. A kickoff event attended by approx. 75 people, focus groups (5 with approx. 20 participants) and a concept reveal attended by approx. 85 people were held to identify their desires for the park from dreams to concepts to the final master plan. A music -infused Hip Hop PARKitecture workshop was designed for children ages 10-17 with approximately 25 participants. At the workshop, attendees explored city park planning and urban design through hip hop culture and worked in small groups to create a design concept for Comiskey Park. Residents were also invited to share their ideas through online and paper surveys. 192 responses were received from the survey. The campaign was nearly complete when COVID delayed the conclusion of engagement until 2021. During the campaign, many stakeholder groups were engaged including the North End Neighborhood Association, youth organizations (e.g., children from neighboring Audubon and Fulton Elementary Schools, PTA's), and non-profit partners (e.g., Fountain of Youth, Dream Center). The City also partnered with the Multicultural Family Center, Crescent Community Health Center, the Carnegie Stout Public Library, and others to conduct outreach. Crescent Community Health Center arranged a special meeting with Marshallese women with an interpreter present to assist all those present in filing out the survey and Leisure Services staff answered questions. As the final design planning was being held residents were surveyed again to help select specific components of the splash pad and playground as well as the colors of each. The components and colors you see today in Phase 1 are the top choices of those surveyed at this step. The result of the community engagement sessions and surveys indicated that residents felt the playground, basketball courts, and an open field for sports, lawn games, and recreation were important amenities to keep, enlarge, and/or upgrade at the park. Other desired amenities included a splash pad, picnic areas, grills, more seating, and park shelters that are currently available on a first -came, first -serve basis. Passive areas with native planting and paths were desired. They preferred more and smaller shade structures versus one large one. In March 2020, the project team shared the vision the community developed for the expanded and improved Comiskey Park. The public was invited to review two draft concepts and provide comments, thoughts, and reactions to help shape the final park design. The Parks and Recreation. Advisory Commission and Dubuque City Council approved the Comiskey Park master plan in 2021. Phase 1 of the "Re -Imagine Comiskey" improvements ($2.4 million total) were constructed in 2022 and early 2023. A ribbon -cutting for Phase 1 completion was held June 29, 2023. The 5 1 P a g e event set the record for the most people participating in an opening celebration in Dubuque history. The ribbon was wrapped around all the park elements and everyone present (youngest to oldest) was handed kid scissors to cut their portion of the ribbon, dignitaries along -side neighborhood residents. The North End, Point, and Washington neighborhoods are so enthused by the recommended Phase 2 improvements at Comiskey Park and cannot wait. The project enjoys a high level of support from area residents and local partners. The attached letters of support demonstrate the partnerships and collaborative efforts and the love for what is there and opportunity to expand it. The community input prior to Phase 1 was inclusive and thorough. A major focus was placed on hearing the voices of the marginalized and amplifying their voices in the designs. Then coming back to them to make sure we heard right. The feedback from Phase 1 is to continue with the plan and finish it as designed in the master plan. The engagement included a focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion of underrepresented groups and the success of that is evidenced in the use of the park by individuals of all ages of the underrepresented groups. This phase of development is making their dreams and desires come true. As with the first phase, a communication plan will be put in place to share details of the award if received as well as construction steps and updates. Another special inclusive focused ribbon cutting would be held. Preventing Gentrification Dubuque's project meets the Biden Administration's Executive Order on Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government and Justice40 Initiative goals. Equity and inclusion are central frameworks of the City's mission to build a vibrant community. Through that lens, Dubuque has identified the need to improve recreational access for minority and low-income residents within the North End and Washington neighborhoods. Revitalization of Comiskey Park complements local policies to increase transit -oriented development, encourage sustainable growth, promote affordable housing, and prevent gentrification. The City's Housing and Community Development Department has the following programs that work to combat gentrification: • Down payment/closing cost assistance loans up to $25,000 in that area for households under 80% annual median income (AMI). Zero percent interest, low -payment loans targeted directly to the Comiskey, and other low mod income census tracts connected to it. • Housing rehabilitation loans up to $25,000 for homeowners under 80% AMI in that area. Same loan terms. Under 30% AMI, loans are no payment, due on sale. • Affordable housing creation is just starting with building an energy -efficient house on an infill lot less than a block from Comiskey that will be sold to a low -mod income household, with the opportunity for the downpayment loan listed above. The homes that the City or partners (like Affordable Housing Network, Inc. (AHNI)) sell are subject to a 21-year covenant stating that they must be owner -occupied during that time. • Will also be building on lots on Brunswick in the North End Neighborhood which Comiskey is a part of. • Affordable Housing Network, Inc. is one of our partners in affordable housing. They currently have 2 contracts with ANHI to: 6 1 P a g e o Purchase/Rehab/Resale single family homes (most in the area of Comiskey) o Purchase/Rehab/Manage affordable rentals -- They have 2 units a couple blocks away from Comiskey and are just starting another 4 units approximately 6 blocks from Comiskey. Non housing -related programs include: • Funding the non-profit Convivium located in the North End Neighborhood that manages community gardens in the area of Comiskey and provides access to fresh, healthy foods for the LMI populations surrounding the park. • Funded LMI mieroenterprises in the area to increase opportunity for economic growth (City Girl Farming, Wicked River Events). Recreational improvements will enhance quality of life for minority and low-income residents and support the City's equity goals. Dubuque is one of the first communities in the country to adopt a local equity plan — the 2021 Dubuque Equitable Poverty Reduction and Prevention Plan. Mayor Brad Cavanagh is committed to "closing the gaps" in the community so that race does not predict one's success. Dubuque has adopted numerous equity policies and practices to challenge long- standing racial bias. The City has also created the Office of Shared Prosperity and Neighborhood Support to ensure that historically -disenfranchised residents enjoy a seat at the table. Anderson Sainci, the Director of the Office of Shared Prosperity and Neighborhood Support, will support efforts to engage and inform disadvantaged individuals in project implementation. Outcomes The Comiskey Park project will help meet the outdoor recreation needs of underserved neighborhoods in Dubuque, as well as generate economic outcomes that benefit those households. Besides Comiskey Park, there are few recreational facilities within 0.5 miles of most area residents. Comiskey Park users still experience deteriorating conditions at the site, including an obsolete basketball court, skate spot, and a tennis court that is never used. A second round of ORLP investment will transform a once deteriorating facility and provide both passive/active recreational opportunities for users of all ages and abilities. Dubuque anticipates that use of facility will grow by 20% following the proposed improvements. This estimate is based on community feedback gathered through the planning process, similar experiences in other local parks following renovations, and increased use seen after Phase 1 completion. The receipt of this grant would mean that Reimagine Comiskey could be accomplished in just 2 phases, disrupting the use of the park only twice. Prior to this Round 7 grant opportunity the City had been planning a four phased approach. If not funded, the city had a four -phase schedule that would disrupt the park activities and disenfranchise all participants of the engagement process as this will take up to 10 years to complete. Disenfranchising persons in lower socio-economic areas creates even greater disengagement and feeling of loss by the community. The goal of the project is to improve close -to -home park and recreation opportunities for two marginalized areas — the North End and Washington neighborhoods. These targeted areas have high poverty and low access to outdoor recreation space (few significant parks within a 10-minute walk for much of the area besides Comiskey Park). The project will also generate economic benefits in the city. In the short-term, the construction activities at Comiskey Park will create jobs for area workers. The project will also create long-term jobs both at the site and within the surrounding area, including park maintenance workers, sports league officials, summer camp 7 1 P a g e counselors, summer free playground program supervisors, and indirect service sector employment (e.g., food). An improved Comiskey Park will also enhance the community's overall appeal and help to create a larger tax base. Criterion 2 —Technical Excellence (50-points) Alignment with SCORP The Comiskey Park project aligns with the Iowa Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP): • The Iowa 2023-2028 SCORP provides a "framework for outdoor recreation priorities and plans that will enhance Iowa's natural resources while contributing to the well-being and enjoyment of all Iowans." Overall, the proposed project meets Outdoor Recreation Priorities 1 (Enhance the Quality of Life of Iowans Through the Availability and Diversity of Natural Resources, Parks and Outdoor Recreation Opportunities) and 2 (The Right Opportunities. The Right Place. Done the Right Way) of the SCORP. Priority 1 recommendation is to embrace diversity, equity, and inclusion to improve access to all levels of need to enhance connection with the outdoors. p. 24-25 Dubuque has seen a changing demographic of a growing minority population, especially in the Comiskey neighborhood. This project creates a level playing field for individuals and groups according to their needs. It attracts, accommodates and we involved a wide range of diverse people that has and will continue to open doors so that all that want to participate can. The SCORP shared "Building a foundation of inclusiveness takes time and involves bringing to the table under -represented populations to hear their thought on the barriers to participation and improvements to areas and facilities as well as a willingness to tame action." The Criterion 1 Community Engagement section shares the time we took to listen and Phase 1 has proven out how if you listen, they will come and play. The under -represented populations are coming to Comiskey and enjoying it morning to night. The nature -based, passive component of Phase 2 meets the personal benefits of outdoor recreation including a sense of peace, relation or stress relief, positive family activities, mental and emotional health, health and fitness, healthy childhood development, and the healing power of the outdoors shared in the SCORP. The SCORP promotes a "diverse range of quality outdoor experiences ... at the local level to meet outdoor recreation, public health, and tourism demands." The proposed play area will provide a "close -to -home recreation opportunity" for North End and Washington neighborhood children, particularly low-income and minority individuals (page 39 of SCORP). The Iowa Department of Natural Resources conducted the 2022 Iowa Residents'Participation in and Attitudes Toward Outdoor Recreation study to gather information for the 2023-2028 SCORP. Specific recreational components align with survey responses: a Basketball -- The SCORP highlights the physical benefits of outdoor recreation activities to "keep Iowans active and healthy throughout their life" (page 3 of SCORP). Basketball is a low-cost recreational activity that is hugely popular at Comiskey. Statewide, exactly 79 percent of respondents urged the State to invest in park facilities like basketball courts (p. 26 of study). New basketball courts will help to meet demand in the community. o Multi -use playing field — Survey respondents in eastern. Iowa prioritized the development of sports fields — 43 percent "high priority" and 35 percent "medium priority" (page 226 8 1 P a g e of study). Construction of a new multi -use playing field will accommodate a variety of sports and address more than one need. o Trails — Survey respondents indicated that they spend 50.1 days per year on trails for exercise (page 6 of study). Trail use and walking were identified as the top two physical activities engaged in by Iowans (page 7 of study). New trail creation will help to promote healthy living. o Picnic areas — Picnicking outdoors is a highly popular three -season activity in the state. The SCORP survey indicated that 84 percent of Iowans were interested in "picnicking, BBQing, or cooking out" in the near future (page 4 of the study). Trees, new shaded structures, picnic tables, and grills will help Dubuque to increase local opportunities for picnicking and provide users with a more enjoyable experience. Relevant City Plans, Goals, and Initiatives Supporting the Project • The Ima ine Dubuque 2037 Comprehensive Plan notes that a key role of local government is to "provide services that enhance the quality of life in a community," including the development of parks. Comiskey Park renovation is specifically referenced as a City Council priority (2018-2023). • In 2021, the City released its Dubuque Equitable Poverty Reduction and Prevention Plan, which identifies policies and practices that ensure that all residents have a path to prosperity. The report specifically identified "access to resources" as a barrier that limits individuals' employment opportunities, education, health care, and other civic life. ORLP funding will support a public park that has been historically neglected. • The project supports Dubuque's 2020 Climate Action Plan, which identifies trees and greenspace as an important tool in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and clean the air and water by absorbing pollutants and reducing runoff. • Dubuque County's Community Health Needs Assessment and Health Improvement Plan (2023) identifies physical inactivity as a precursor to obesity, chronic heart disease, and diabetes. Comiskey Park improvements will provide a neighborhood space where residents can play outdoors and promotes active, healthy lifestyles. Advancement of Other Park or Outdoor Recreation Plans • The "Re -Imagine Comiskey" master planning process (2019-2021) gathered input from neighborhood residents and identified the proposed recreational improvements at the site. Phase 1 activities are already complete, creating a buzz around the city and increasing pride among North End and Washington neighborhood residents. This second phase of work will further transform Comiskey Park into a special place that provides the community with a connection to the outdoors as well as opportunities for physical activity and personal reflection. • Dubuque is currently embarking on a comprehensive parks master plan engagement and planning process that will lay the groundwork for the future of the city's parks (2024). This effort will include an in-depth review of existing parks, highlight strategies for future investment, and outline potential projects over the next several years. The "Re -Imagine Comiskey" engagement and planning process is the model for this undertaking. Additional federal investment in Comiskey Park aligns with Dubuque's goal to focus park resources in underserved neighborhoods. 9 1 P a g e Planning Status, Milestones, and Readiness A master plan was developed for the proposed improvements at Comiskey Park, supported with a 2017 ORLP grant. The City in March 2024 will hire the consultant for final design and construction documents to be completed in 2024, ahead of grant agreement (with approval from Iowa Department of Natural Resources and NPS). Groundbreaking will occur in June 2026, within 112 year of award. The project will be complete in 1 %Z years opening to the public in July 2027. See Project Timeline for details. Non -Recreational Features within Project Boundary The City has fee title to the property. Comiskey Park has an existing Comiskey building. This building houses electrical panels and equipment that run outdoor amenities as well as has outdoor reWooms. The indoor meeting room and restrooms and a large outdoor shaded porch are used as support to neighborhood meetings and events in addition to uses for support for many outdoor events that take place at Comiskey such as National Night Out held in cooperation with the Police Department, North End Neighborhood Association and local businesses with booths featuring non- profits. No easements or leases exist on the site. There is water, sewer, electrical, fiber, and storm sewer utilities underground throughout Comiskey Park. A Phase 1 and 2 Environmental Site Analysis was completed on 7 old house parcels located next to the large building to the east of the park. In November of 2020 a comfort letter from IDNR was received regarding the planned recreational use of the seven parcels. The letter outlined actions to be taken regarding shallow soil, deep soil, and groundwater. Additional testing was performed identifying that the area of contamination is smaller than the two home lots prior to it becoming a park. The phase one current basketball court NE corner was placed a small area of the contamination with the appropriate approvals of all agencies. The remainder of the affected small area identified would be remediated in phase two development and proposed with a similar process of capping the contaminated area with the remaining two basketball courts and walkways to be built in Phase 2. Project Team The City has a track record of successfully managing park projects. Park construction will be managed by the City's Leisure Services Department. ORLP resources will be managed by Leisure Services Director Marie Ware and Park Division Manager Steve Fehsal. Ware managed the 2017 ORLP resources and has managed numerous state and federal grants in her 38-year parks and recreation career including 2 LWCF grants. Fehsal is responsible for the management and maintenance of various types of parkland, open space, shelters, structures, and equipment in Dubuque. Fehsal oversees the department's operating budget and capital improvement projects (more than $8 million annually) and has a 27-year career in park maintenance. Leisure Services Director Marie Ware will serve as the overall project manager and assure that the community engagement is incorporated at every step of the project implementation and will administer ORLP resources and will be assisted by Project and Facilities Manager Jared Charland and Fehsal whom will keep the community informed of progress throughout the project and manage day-to-day construction issues if grant received. All lessons learning in the 2017 ORPL grant will be used in the completion of this grant request. The experience has allowed realistic timeframes and approvals and management of the details and processes of an ORLP grant. 101Page Minority Impact Statement Pursuant to 2008 Iowa Acts, HF 2393, Iowa Code Section 8.11, all grant applications submitted to the State of Iowa which are due beginning January 1, 2009 shall include a Minority Impact Statement. This is the state's mechanism to require grant applicants to consider the potential impact of the grant project's proposed programs or policies on minority groups. Please choose the statement(s) that pertains to this grant application. Complete all the Information requested for the chosen statement(s). ❑X The proposed grant project programs or policies could have a disproportionate or unique positive impact on minority persons. Describe the positive impact expected from this project The project will provide disadvantaged residents in the North End and Washington neighborhoods with greater opportunities for play and leisure activities. National Park Service (NPS) resources will benefit people who live in Census Indicate which group is impacted: FX1 Women X1 Persons with a Disability ❑X Blacks 0 Latinos ❑ Asians 0 Pacific Islanders ❑ American Indians ❑ Alaskan Native Americans X❑ Other ❑ The proposed grant project programs or policies could have a disproportionate or unique negative impact on minority persons. Describe the negative impact expected from this project Present the rationale for the existence of the proposed program or policy. Provide evidence of consultation of representatives of the minority groups impacted. Indicate which group is impacted: ❑ Women ❑ Persons with a Disability ❑ Blacks ❑ Latinos ❑ Asians ❑ Pacific Islanders ❑ American Indians ❑ Alaskan Native Americans ❑ Other ❑ The proposed grant project programs or policies are not expected to have a disproportionate or unique impact on minority persons. Present the rationale for determining no impact. I hereby certify that the information on this form is complete and accurate, to the best of my knowledge: Name: Marie L. Ware Title: Leisure Services Director DNR Form 542-0327 PROJECT TIMELINE A master plan was developed with a high level of neighborhood involvement and approved for the proposed improvements at Comiskey Park, supported with a 2017 ORLP grant. The Master Plan is complete and was approved by the City Council in 2021. The Master Plan shows Phase 2 improvements included in this ORLP grant request. Final design and construction documents will be completed in December of 2024, ahead of grant agreement (with approval from Iowa Department of Natural Resources and NPS). This would allow a quick transition from design to completing environmental and cultural review and approval. Certain reviews require 100% construction design to fill out the necessary paperwork or answer concerns of the agencies, if any. This would quickly be followed by all necessary permits. Certain permits would be worked on during the environmental and cultural review. Groundbreaking will occur in June 2026, within 1 /2 year of award. The project will be complete in V/2 years. Dubuque anticipates that Comiskey Park improvements will be open to the public in July 2027. See key project milestones below: • Reimagine Comiskey Master Plan Developed and Approved: 2021 • Design and Construction Plans Begin After Design and Construction Management Consultant Contract Executed: March 2024 (pre -agreement) • Design and Construction Plans 75% Complete: November 2024 (pre -agreement) • Project Selection by NPS: November 2024 • City Design Reviews and Approvals: November -December 2024 (pre -agreement) • Final Design and Construction Plans 100% Complete: December 2024 (pre -agreement) • Environmental/Cultural Resource Review: January — June 2025 (pre -agreement) • Required Permitting: July -August 2025 (pre -agreement) • Full Application Submittal: September 2025 o Note: This date move up if environmental/cultural resource reviews and permitting completes earlier. Dates are based on having to reapply with specifics of this phase 2 project. The 2017 ORLP grant provided familiarity of reviews and permitting agencies with the project area of Comiskey Park. • Award Date by NPS: November 2025 • NPS/Iowa Department of Natural Resources Grant Agreement Executed by City: February 2026 (month 1) o Anticipated Term of Agreement: February 1, 2026-February 28, 2028 o Note: Any delay in grant agreement changes the bidding and construction schedule. • Bidding of Project Construction and Contract Execution: March -May 2026 (month 2-4) • NPS Yearly Report Filed: March 2027 • Construction: June 2026-June 2027 (month 5-17) • Open to Public: July 2027 (month 18) • Closeout of Project and NPS Final Report: August — October 2027 The Notice of Use Restriction has already been recorded for Comiskey Park for the entire project area of this 2024 ORLP grant application. This was completed at the close out of the Comiskey Park 2017 ORLP grant. Project Images Worksheet To add photographs, simply click on the space for each image and select the photo to attach from your files. All photos must have a caption and photo credit. Photos should be of good quality. All application materials, including photographs, become the property of the National Park Service and may be reproduced by NP5 or its partner organizations without permission; appropriate credit will be given for any such use. ■Please ensure you include one current photo per elevation as well as one current overall photo at a minimum. ■Photos should show current conditions and immediate threat. Include photos showing representative examples of damaged resources ■Color or black and white photos are both accepted ■Photographs should be of the community and the historic site, museum property, downtown, or significant resource involved in the project. Caption: Image 1 2017 ORLF grant phase one - opening day. June 29, 2023. Improvements included splash pad, inclusive olavaround, basketball court, shade structures, seating. landscaviny and trees. Date Taken 6/29/23 Credit Elevated Images :aption: Image 2 )ate Taken Top left corner will be location of parking lot. The proposed basketball courts go to the left of current and at dirt pile shown at bottom of the photo to left of the tree. Current parking lot removed for picnic area and landscaping. 914123 Caption: Image 3 Credit Engineering Dept - Troy Kress The new entry added top left at intersection. The basketball court, skate spot and tennis court removed. Trees would be added and large multi -purpose lay area created. Walks extended and native aloe right side of ark. Date Taken 914123 Credit ngineering Dept- Troy Kress Al. a 'n•'�f �yy u: /�� } Fs�, , F_i:8 !� `5► , ; � l�I�,a�l�x �'i"y+! •` ! i# rki. isn r1' `pp At it- `-Z + � y. xre. �:.'�'� r y'aU.r�.Sc� - k� �,- k; � 3�+vr ,�., '7.:.: ^�+?:.. ,a' ir.�, +-•��.,.., � ��'T s - k ✓.. < -� � r'L:et_. _v ens...., �... - 5_� x_. �C �dY4-:seW...ti�...i..-., Y Rrrw .-- � ...�. u�. � -� .,-_ a..w+-. . _ +ra'�8.21�cs�._'. �-....,_' 4wa3��>�r�'� �... x� �..•t'��;.�§_�7F�� .. IF K-A 3r flat pz 011 OR Caption: Image 8 Date Taken Caption: Image 9 Decorative plantings will surround Comiskey building on three sides. This parking lot will be transformed into a i�c area with native plantings, shade structures, picnic tables, benches and seat walls. 12/20/24 Credit Leisure Services - Marie Ware View from current playground looking out to what will be the multi -purpose play field. The shade structures proposed in the grant will be same tvpe and style of the current ones added in Phase 1. Date Taken 12/20/24 Credit Leisure Services - Marie Ware Caption: Image 10 Date Taken Caption: Image 11 Hip Hop PARKitecture. They dreamed soccer and more basketball courts with color. 1218/20 Credit Leisure Services - Marie Ware Kickoff engagement meeting - what you like and don't about Comiskey, brag, worry, what is your dream and enoauernent hoards -'elnotina imnues Qf what would like included in the nark that they selected from. Date Taken 119120 Credit Leisure Services - Marie Ware Caption: Image 12 is . ... .. i !'rEAU TICA31 Leara!ns Concept Plan was shared. Everyone added dots of green where they liked and red where they did not on the concepts. Lots of discussion was held right at the boards with people sharing their perspectives with their neighbors and friends. Caption: Image 13 Groups discussed the 2 concept plans reported out to all present. The question was what you liked best and did not like about each of the two designs presented. Individually each person gave input on if you had $S to spend on park features which park feature would you spend it all or divide it among features. Photos of splash park and playground designs were shared and they picked out the design look that they desired. Date Taken 3/9/20 1 Credit Leisure Services - Marie Ware I Date Taken 319I2o I Credit Leisure Services - Marie Ware I N, F I Dmiskev Pa • N -fix ' ' r a H:RCei are ServiiistiParks,(ity Parr Maps`Ciry Po Maps.oprx , QofrSavlAA OL r„ - �1 \- NATIVES - - - .... _ SEEDING ' i. f PARKING LOT . —.1 �,` j., I; (53 STALLS) s� c up s Pkcml:" � � Y S MWA ER GEMER � Od7 coU T J �> r w PLAYGROUND PE (� I LAWN PLAYING FIELD ` r � '��, SPLdSII SIC i STORM" TER PAD fI MANAGE #h {: I Al� I JACKSON STREET RE -IMAGINE COAl F W r''•! COMISKEY PARK SITE DESIGN - MASTER PLAN LEGEND PROPOSED TREE EXISTING TREE LAWN NATIVE SEEDING DECORATIVE PLANTING CONCRETE WALKWAY ® SPLASH PAD - PLAY AREA STRIPED PLAY AREA - BASKETBALL SURFACING ASPHALT EXISTING FENCE (MODIFIED) SHADE STRUCTURE SIGNAGE BIKE PARKING (12 STALLS TYP.) DRINKING FOUNTAIN 4 —.. PICNIC TABLE, TYP. "Won, • GRILL, TYP. -- BASKETBALL HOOP, TYP. LIGHTING SEATING January 22, 2021 yr.— EXISTING BUILDING Huthswr u SHELTER JACKSON STREET NATIVE PLANTING LEGEN D PROPOSED TREE EXISTING TREE PHASE 1 TREE LAWN NATIVE SEEDING DECORATIVE PLANTING CONCRETE WALKWAY SPLASH PAD inL_ PLAY AREA BASKETBALL SURFACING ® ASPHALT PARKING i' EXISTING FENCE (MODIFIED) SHADE SrRUCIURE SIGNAGE BIKE PARKING DRINKING FOUNTAIN _ PICNIC TABLE, TYP. • GRILL, TYP. BASKETBALL HOOP, TYP. LIGHTING Qwe SEATING COMISKEY PARK SITE DESIGN - MASTER PLAN UPDATED WITH PHASE 1 IMPROVEMENTS scw�r•�oaizessl - ---.__.— _ _ .._ ._ March T2-24 •wo THE CITY OF U BB FE Masterpiece on the Mississippi February 29, 2024 Dubuque Dubuque City Hall AflAmerlcaCi1 50 West 1311 Street i �j Dubuque, IA 52001 Office (563) 589-4110 2007•2012.2013 TTY (563) 690-6678 2017*2019 www.cityofdubuque.org Jessica Flatt Iowa Department of Natural Resources Wallace State Office Building 502 E 9th Street Des Moines, Iowa 50319 Ginger Carter Mary Morrison National Park Service 1849 C Street NW Washington, DC 20240 Dear Jessica Flatt, Ginger Carter and Mary Morrison, Please accept this letter of commitment from the City of Dubuque, Iowa for the Reimagine Comiskey Park — Phase 2 Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership program grant. The City of Dubuque is committed to the following financial match for this grant application. This funding aligns with the timeline presented in the grant. City of Dubuque capital funding FY26 $1,697,000 City of Dubuque CDBG funding FY 24 and FY 25 $ 276,850 TOTAL $1,973,850 Should you have any questions regarding this commitment, please feel free to contact Marie Ware, Leisure Services Director at mware(a)cityofdubugue.org or 563-564-7566 as she is staff liaison for the grant. Sincerely, Michael C. Van Milligen City Manager cc: Marie Ware, Leisure Services Director Teri Goodmann, Director of Strategic Partnerships 1 2123/24, 3:03 PM IPaC: Explore Location resources IPaC U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service 1PaC resource list This report is an automatically generated list of species and other resources such as critical habitat (collectively referred to as trust resources) under the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's (USFWS) jurisdiction that are known or expected to be on or near the project area referenced below. The list may also include trust resources that occur outside of the project area, but that could potentially be directly or indirectly affected by activities in the project area. However, determining the likelihood and extent of effects a project may have on trust resources typically requires gathering additional site -specific (e.g., vegetation/species surveys) and project -specific (e.g., magnitude and timing of proposed activities) information. Below is a summary of the project information you provided and contact information for the USFWS office(s) with jurisdiction in the defined project area. Please read the introduction to each section that follows (Endangered Species, Migratory Birds, USFWS Facilities, and NWI Wetlands) for additional information applicable to the trust resources addressed in that section. Location Dubuque County, Iowa Local office Illinois -Iowa Ecological Services Field Office f. (309) 757-5800 fi (309) 757-5807 https://ipac,ecosphere.fws.gov/location/C7B2BTIJW5HJHLOPJNBMBQHLDQ/resources 1117 2123/24, 3:03 PM [PaC: Explore Location resources Illinois & Iowa Ecological Services Field Office 1511 47th Ave Moline, IL 61265-7022 https:llipac.ecosphere. iws.govllocatlonlC7B2Bi[JWSHJHLOPJNBMBQHLDQIresouroes 2/17 2/23/24, 3:03 PM IPaC: Explore Location resources Endangered species This resource list is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an analysis of project level impacts. The primary information used to generate this list is the known or expected range of each species. Additional areas of influence (AOI) for species are also considered. An AOI includes areas outside of the species range if the species could be indirectly affected by activities in that area (e.g., placing a dam upstream of a fish population even if that fish does not occur at the dam site, may indirectly impact the species by reducing or eliminating water flow downstream). Because species can move, and site conditions can change, the species on this list are not guaranteed to be found on or near the project area. To fully determine any potential effects to species, additional site -specific and project -specific information is often required. Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act requires Federal agencies to "request of the Secretary information whether any species which is listed or proposed to be listed may be present in the area of such proposed action" for any project that is conducted, permitted, funded, or licensed by any Federal agency. A letter from the local office and a species list which fulfills this requirement can only be obtained by requesting an official species list from either the Regulatory Review section in IPaC (see directions below) or from the local field office directly. For project evaluations that require USFWS concurrence/review, please return to the IPaC website and request an official species list by doing the following: 1. Draw the project location and click CONTINUE. 2. Click DEFINE PROJECT. 3. Log in (if directed to do so). 4. Provide a name and description for your project. 5. Click REQUEST SPECIES LIST. Listed species! and their critical habitats are managed by the Ecological Services Program of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and the fisheries division of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA Fisheries). Species and critical habitats under the sole responsibility of NOAA Fisheries are not shown on this list. Please contact NOAA Fisheries for species under their jurisdiction. 1. Species listed under the Endangered Species Act are threatened or endangered; IPaC also shows species that are candidates, or proposed, for listing. See the listing status page for more information. IPaC only shows species that are regulated by USFWS (see FAQ). https://ipac.ecosphere.fws.gov/location/C7B2BTIJW5HJHLOPJNBMBQHLDO/resources 3117 M3/24, 3:03 PM IPaC: Explore Location resources 2. NOAA Fisheries, also known as the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), is an office of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration within the Department of Commerce. The following species are potentially affected by activities in this location: Mammals NAME STATUS Northern Long-eared Bat Myotis septentrionalis Endangered Wherever found No critical habitat has been designated for this species. https://ecos.fw5.gov/ecp/species/9045 Tricolored Bat Perimyotis subflavus Proposed Endangered Wherever found No critical habitat has been designated for this species. https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/10515 Birds NAME STATUS Whooping Crane Grus americana EXPN No critical habitat has been designated for this species. httpsa/ecos.fws.gav/ecp/species/758 Clams NAME STATUS Higgins Eye (pearlymussel) Lampsilis higginsii Endangered Wherever found No critical habitat has been designated for this species. https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/5428 Sheepnose Mussel Plethobasus cyphyus Endangered Wherever found No critical habitat has been designated for this species. https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/6903 Insects NAME STATUS https:llipac.ecosphere.fws.govllocationlC7B2BTIJW5HJHLOPJNBMBQHLDQlresources 4117 2/23/24, 3M PM ]PaC: Explore Location resources Monarch Butterfly Danaus plexippus Candidate Wherever found No critical habitat has been designated for this species. https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/�Species/9743 Flowering Plants NAM STATUS Eastern Prairie Fringed Orchid Platanthera leucophaea Threatened Wherever found No critical habitat has been designated for this species. https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/601 Critical habitats Potential effects to critical habitat(s) in this location must be analyzed along with the endangered species themselves. There are no critical habitats at this location. You are still required to determine if your project(s) may have effects on all above listed species. Bald & Golden Eagles Bald and golden eagles are protected under the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act' and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act2. Any person or organization who plans or conducts activities that may result in impacts to bald or golden eagles, or their habitats3, should follow appropriate regulations and consider implementing appropriate conservation measures, as described in the links below. Specifically, please review the "Supplemental Information on Migratory Birds and Eagles". Additional information can be found using the following links: • Eagle Management https://www.fws,gov//program/eagle-management • Measures for avoiding and minimizing impacts to birds https://www.fws.gov/library/collections/avoiding-and-minimizing-incidental-take- migratory-birds https://ipac.ecosphere.fvvs.gov/location/C7B2BTIJW5HJHLOPJNBMBQHLDQ/resources 5117 2123124, 3:03 PM IPaC: Explore Location resources * Nationwide conservation measures for birds https://www.fws.gov/sites/default/files/documents/nationwide-standard-conservation- measures.pdf Supplemental Information for Migratory Birds and Eagles in IPaC https://www.fws.gov/media/supplemental-information-migratory-birds-and-bald-and- golden-eagles-may-occur-project-action There are likely bald eagles present in your project area. For additional information on bald eagles, refer to Bald Eagle Nesting and Sensitivity to Human Activity For guidance on when to schedule activities or implement avoidance and minimization measures to reduce impacts to migratory birds on your list, see the PROBABILITY OF PRESENCE SUMMARY below to see when these birds are most likely to be present and breeding in your project area. ►i1/_nl11111 Bald Eagle Haliaeetus leucocephalus This is not a Bird of Conservation Concern (BCC) in this area, but warrants attention because of the Eagle Act or for potential susceptibilities in offshore areas from certain types of development or activities. Golden Eagle Aquila cl rysaetos This is not a Bird of Conservation Concern (BCC) in this area, but warrants attention because of the Eagle Act or for potential susceptibilities in offshore areas from certain types of development or activities. https://ecos.fvvs.gov/ecp/species/1680 Probability of Presence Summary BREEDING SEASON Breeds Dec 1 to Aug 31 Breeds elsewhere The graphs below provide our best understanding of when birds of concern are most likely to be present in your project area. This information can be used to tailor and schedule your project activities to avoid or minimize impacts to birds. Please make sure you read "Supplemental Information on Migratory Birds and Eagles", specifically the FAQ section titled "Proper Interpretation and Use of Your Migratory Bird Report" before using or attempting to interpret this report. Probability of Presence ( ) Each green bar represents the bird's relative probability of presence in the 10km grid cell(s) your project overlaps during a particular week of the year. (A year is represented as 12 4- week months.) A taller bar indicates a higher probability of species presence. The survey httpsalipac.ecosphere.fws.gov/location/C7B2BTIJW5HJHLOPJNBMBQHLDO/resources 6117 2/23/24. 3:03 PM IPaC: Explore Location resources effort (see below) can be used to establish a level of confidence in the presence score. One can have higher confidence in the presence score if the corresponding survey effort is also high. How is the probability of presence score calculated? The calculation is done in three steps: 1. The probability of presence for each week is calculated as the number of survey events in the week where the species was detected divided by the total number of survey events for that week. For example, if in week 12 there were 20 survey events and the Spotted Towhee was found in 5 of them, the probability of presence of the Spotted Towhee in week 12 is 0.25. 2. To properly present the pattern of presence across the year, the relative probability of presence is calculated. This is the probability of presence divided by the maximum probability of presence across all weeks. For example, imagine the probability of presence in week 20 for the Spotted Towhee is 0.05, and that the probability of presence at week 12 (0.25) is the maximum of any week of the year. The relative probability of presence on week 12 is 0.25/0.25 = 1; at week 20 it is 0.05/0.25 = 0.2. 3. The relative probability of presence calculated in the previous step undergoes a statistical conversion so that all possible values fall between 0 and 10, inclusive. This is the probability of presence score. To see a bar's probability of presence score, simply hover your mouse cursor over the bar. Breeding Season ( Yellow bars denote a very liberal estimate of the time -frame inside which the bird breeds across its entire range. If there are no yellow bars shown for a bird, it does not breed in your project area. Survey Effort (1) Vertical black lines superimposed on probability of presence bars indicate the number of surveys performed for that species in the 10km grid cell(s) your project area overlaps. The number of surveys is expressed as a range, for example, 33 to 64 surveys. To see a bar's survey effort range, simply hover your mouse cursor over the bar. No Data (-) A week is marked as having no data if there were no survey events for that week. Survey Timeframe Surveys from only the last 10 years are used in order to ensure delivery of currently relevant information. The exception to this is areas off the Atlantic coast, where bird returns are based on all years of available data, since data in these areas is currently much more sparse. probability of presence breeding season i survey effort — no data SPECIES JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC https://ipac.ecosphere.fws.gov/location/C7B2BTIJVV5HJHLOPJNBMBQHLDQ/resources 7/17 2/23124, 3:03 PM IPaO: Explore Location resources Bald Eagle Non-BCC 1 I I I I I 1.11 Jill Vulnerable Golden Eagle I I- f —1-4 -1 -1- 1- t t I I -1 -} 1-1 1 1- -1. a 11 { 4 ++++ ++++ ++++ Non -BCC Vulnerable What does INC use to generate the potential presence of bald and golden eagles in my specified location? The potential for eagle presence is derived from data provided by the Avian Knowledge Network {AKN).. The AKN data is based on a growing collection of survey, banding, and citizen science datasets and is queried and filtered to return a list of those birds reported as occurring in the 1 Okm grid cell(s) which your project intersects, and that have been identified as warranting special attention because they are a BCC species in that area, an eagle (Eagle Act requirements may apply). To see a list of all birds potentially present in your project area, please visit the Rapid Avian Information Locator (RAIL) Tool. What does IPaC use to generate the probability of presence graphs of bald and golden eagles in my specified location? The Migratory Bird Resource List is comprised of USFWS Birds of Conservation Concern (BCC) and other species that may warrant special attention in your project location. The migratory bird list generated for your project is derived from data provided by the Avian Knowledge Network (AKN),. The AKN data is based on a growing collection of survev, banding, and citizen science datasets and is queried and filtered to return a list of those birds reported as occurring in the 1 Qkm grid cell(s) which your project intersects, and that have been identified as warranting special attention because they are a BCC species in that area, an eagle (Eagle Act requirements may apply), or a species that has a particular vulnerability to offshore activities or development. Again, the Migratory Bird Resource list includes only a subset of birds that may occur in your project area. It is not representative of all birds that may occur in your project area. To get a list of all birds potentially present in your project area, please visit the Rapid Avian Information Locator (RAIL) Tool. What if I have eagles on my list? If your project has the potential to disturb or kill eagles, you may need to obtain a permit to avoid violating the Eagle Act should such impacts occur. Please contact your local Fish and Wildlife Service Field Office if you have questions. Migratory birds Certain birds are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act' and the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act2. https://ipac.ecosphere.fws.gov/location/C7B2BTIJWSHJHLOPJNBMBQHLDQ/resources 8117 2123/24, 3:03 PM IPaC: Explore Location resources Any person or organization who plans or conducts activities that may result in impacts to migratory birds, eagles, and their habitats3 should follow appropriate regulations and consider implementing appropriate conservation measures, as described in the links below. Specifically, please review the "Supplemental Information on Migratory Birds and Eagles". 1. The Migratory Birds Treaty Act of 1918. 2. The Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act of 1940. Additional information can be found using the following links: • Eagle Management https://www.fws.gQv/program/eagle-management • Measures for avoiding and minimizing impacts to birds https://www.fvvs.gov/library/collections/avoiding-and-minimizing-incidental-take- migratory-birds • Nationwide conservation measures for birds https://www.fws.2ov/sites/default/files/ documents/nationwide-standard-conservation-measures.pdf • Supplemental Information for Migratory Birds and Eagles in IPaC https://www.fws.gov/media/supplemental-information-migratory-birds-and-bald-and- golden-eagles-may-occur-project-action The birds listed below are birds of particular concern either because they occur on the UISFWS Birds of Conservation Concern (BCC) list or warrant special attention in your project location. To learn more about the levels of concern for birds on your list and how this list is generated, see the FAQ below. This is not a list of every bird you may find in this location, nor a guarantee that every bird on this list will be found in your project area. To see exact locations of where birders and the general public have sighted birds in and around your project area, visit the E-bird data mapping tool (Tip: enter your location, desired date range and a species on your list). For projects that occur off the Atlantic Coast, additional maps and models detailing the relative occurrence and abundance of bird species on your list are available. Links to additional information about Atlantic Coast birds, and other important information about your migratory bird list, including how to properly interpret and use your migratory bird report, can be found below. For guidance on when to schedule activities or implement avoidance and minimization measures to reduce impacts to migratory birds on your list, see the PROBABILITY OF PRESENCE SUMMARY below to see when these birds are most likely to be present and breeding in your project area. NAME BREEDING SEASON Bald Eagle Haliaeetus leucocephalus Breeds Dec 1 to Aug 31 This is not a Bird of Conservation Concern (BCC) in this area, but warrants attention because of the Eagle Act or for potential susceptibilities in offshore areas from certain types of development or activities. https://ipac.ecosphere.fws.gov/location/C7B2BTIJW5HJHLOPJNBMBQHLDQ/resources 9117 2123/24, 3 03 PM IPaC: Explore Location resources Black -billed Cuckoo Coccyzus erythropthalmus Breeds May 15 to Oct 10 This is a Bird of Conservation Concern (BCC) throughout its range in the continental USA and Alaska. https://ecos.fvvs.gov/ecp/species/9399 Bobolink Dolichonyx oryzivorus This is a Bird of Conservation Concern (BCC) throughout its range in the continental USA and Alaska, Canada Warbler Cardellina canadensis This is a Bird of Conservation Concern (BCC) throughout its range in the continental USA and Alaska. Cerulean Warbler Dendroica cerulea This is a Bird of Conservation Concern (BCC) throughout its range in the continental USA and Alaska. https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/2974 Chimney Swift Chaetura pelagica This is a Bird of Conservation Concern (BCC) throughout its range in the continental USA and Alaska. Golden Eagle Aquila chrysaetos This is not a Bird of Conservation Concern (BCC) in this area, but warrants attention because of the Eagle Act or for potential susceptibilities in offshore areas from certain types of development or activities. https://ecos.fws.ggytecplspecies/1 680 Golden -winged Warbler Vermivora chrysoptera This is a Bird of Conservation Concern (BCC) throughout its range in the continental USA and Alaska. https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/8745 Henslow's Sparrow Ammodramus henslowii This is a Bird of Conservation Concern (BCC) throughout its range in the continental USA and Alaska. l ttps://ecos.fws,gov/ecptspecies/3941 Breeds May 20 to Jul 31 Breeds May 20 to Aug 10 Breeds Apr 22 to Jul 20 Breeds Mar 15 to Aug 25 Breeds elsewhere Breeds May 1 to Jul 20 Breeds May 1 to Aug 31 https:/lipac.ecosphere.fws.gov/location/C7B2BTIJW5HJHLOPJNBMBQHLDQ!resources 10117 2/23/24, 3:03 PM IPaC: Explore Location resources Lesser Yellowlegs Tringa flavipes Breeds elsewhere This is a Bird of Conservation Concern (BCC) throughout its range in the continental USA and Alaska. https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/9679 Long-eared Owl asio otus Breeds Mar 1 to Jul 15 This is a Bird of Conservation Concern (BCC) throughout its range in the continental USA and Alaska. https://ecos.fws,gov/ecp/species/3631 Pectoral Sandpiper Calidris melanotos Breeds elsewhere This is a Bird of Conservation Concern (BCC) throughout its range in the continental USA and Alaska. Red-headed Woodpecker Melanerpes erythrocephalus Breeds May 10 to Sep 10 This is a Bird of Conservation Concern (BCC) throughout its range in the continental USA and Alaska. Rusty Blackbird Euphagus carolinus Breeds elsewhere This is a Bird of Conservation Concern (BCC) only in particular Bird Conservation Regions (SCRs) in the continental USA Short -billed Dowitcher Limnodromus griseus Breeds elsewhere This is a Bird of Conservation Concern (BCC) throughout its range in the continental USA and Alaska. https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/9480 Wood Thrush Hylocichla mustelina Breeds May 10 to Aug 31 This is a Bird of Conservation Concern (BCC) throughout its range in the continental USA and Alaska. Probability of Presence Summary The graphs below provide our best understanding of when birds of concern are most likely to be present in your project area. This information can be used to tailor and schedule your project activities to avoid or minimize impacts to birds. Please make sure you read "Supplemental Information on Migratory Birds and Eagles", specifically the FAQ section titled "Proper Interpretation and Use of Your Migratory Bird Report" before using or attempting to interpret this report. Probability of Presence ( ) https:llipac.ecosphere.fws.govllocationiC7B2BTIJw5HJHLOPJNBMBQHLDQlresources 11117 2123/24, 3:03 PM IPaC: Explore Location resources Each green bar represents the bird's relative probability of presence in the 10km grid cell(s) your project overlaps during a particular week of the year. (A year is represented as 12 4- week months.) A taller bar indicates a higher probability of species presence. The survey effort (see below) can be used to establish a level of confidence in the presence score. One can have higher confidence in the presence score if the corresponding survey effort is also high. How is the probability of presence score calculated? The calculation is done in three steps: 1. The probability of presence for each week is calculated as the number of survey events in the week where the species was detected divided by the total number of survey events for that week. For example, if in week 12 there were 20 survey events and the Spotted Towhee was found in 5 of them, the probability of presence of the Spotted Towhee in week 12 is 0.25 2. To properly present the pattern of presence across the year, the relative probability of presence is calculated. This is the probability of presence divided by the maximum probability of presence across all weeks. For example, imagine the probability of presence in week 20 for the Spotted Towhee is 0.05, and that the probability of presence at week 12 (0.25) is the maximum of any week of the year. The relative probability of presence on week 12 is 0.25/0.25 = 1; at week 20 it is 0.05/0.25 = 0.2. 3. The relative probability of presence calculated in the previous step undergoes a statistical conversion so that all possible values fall between 0 and 10, inclusive. This is the probability of presence score. To see a bar's probability of presence score, simply hover your mouse cursor over the bar. Breeding Season( ) Yellow bars denote a very liberal estimate of the time -frame inside which the bird breeds across its entire range. If there are no yellow bars shown for a bird, it does not breed in your project area. Survey Effort (1) Vertical black lines superimposed on probability of presence bars indicate the number of surveys performed for that species in the 10km grid cells) your project area overlaps. The number of surveys is expressed as a range, for example, 33 to 64 surveys. To see a bar's survey effort range, simply hover your mouse cursor over the bar. No Data (—) A week is marked as having no data if there were no survey events for that week. Survey Timeframe Surveys from only the last 10 years are used in order to ensure delivery of currently relevant information. The exception to this is areas off the Atlantic coast, where bird returns are based on all years of available data, since data in these areas is currently much more sparse. probability of presence breeding season I survey effort — no data https://ipac,ecosphere.fws.gov/location/C7B2BTIJW5HJHLOPJNBMBOHLDOIresources 12117 2/23/24, 3:03 PM IPaC: Explore Location resources SPECIES JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC Bald Eagle � Non-BCC 1111 Jill 1111 1111 1111 oil I 1"1'111 Jill Vulnerable Cuckoo billed ++ + ++++ till 71771 I'M I Cuckoo I � ++ +;-++ + � -1- �- -1:• +T T j-+ F+ -f I- ++++ BCC Rangewide (CON) I Bobolink {.. ++++ ++ ++ +T FIT + ++ ++++ BCC Rangewide 11 lill (CON) Canada ++++ + i + +T" lilli" 1111 �1+ +++ l- + I ++ ++++ Warbler BCC Rangewide (CON) k„ Cerulean Warbler ++++ ++++ ++++ ++ + ++++ + -;+ ++++ BCC Rangewide (CON) Chimney Swift 111 Jill Jill Jill 1+1+ ++++ -1 BCC Rangewide I F++ +++-F -�- (CON) Golden Eagle + Non -BCC + } + ++++ ++++ ++++ +1-++ ++-+-+ + ++ ++++ +*++ ++++ ++++ ++++ Vulnerable Golden -winged { +++ ++++ 1-+-I + I.. .I". -+ I.}. ..}...L.l } }--i--}--{- ++11 1111 ++++ ++++ ++++ Warbler BCC Rangewide ` (CON) _ Henslow`s ++++ Sparrow BCC Rangewide (CON) Lesser + ++++ + Yellowlegs ++++ ++++ +++ ++++ I .�• I-++-�" +A`+-F- �-�-++Al BCC Rangewide (CON) Long-eared Owl ++++ ++++ + ++++ ++++ +I-++ ++++ ++1+ BCC Rangewide (CON) Pectoral I +++ ++++ ++++ 1+++ i-+++ ++++ { } + +111 11++ ++]-+ 1+++ ++++ Sandpiper BCC Rangewide (CON) SPECIES JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SIP OCT NOV DEC https://ipac.ecosphere.fws.gov/location/C7B2BTIJW5HJHLOPJNBMBQHLDQ/resources 13/17 2123124, 3:03 PM IPaQ Explore Location resources Red-headed 11' 1 ► 1 I III Jill $111 +1++ +11+ Woodpecker BCC Rangewide (CON) Rusty Blackbird I III I I ++ ++++ ++++ I! } i I I a I l f III 1 1 I -( _I_1-16 11 11 11 11 BCC - BCR Short -billed 1 Dowitcher I -III. III I- I I I 1 1_ .1_ BCC Rangewide (CON) Wood Thrush 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 l 1 1 1 i 1 1 1 1 (III I, .1 , 1 1 l 1 1 l 1 1 1 1 Jill I l l l + I l i BCC Rangewide (CON) Tell me more about conservation measures I can implement to avoid or minimize impacts to migratory birds. Nationwide Conservation Measures describes measures that can help avoid and minimize impacts to all birds at any location year round. Implementation of these measures is particularly important when birds are most likely to occur in the project area. When birds may be breeding in the area, identifying the locations of any active nests and avoiding their destruction is a very helpful impact minimization measure. To see when birds are most likely to occur and be breeding in your project area, view the Probability of Presence Summary. Additional measures or permits may be advisable depending on the type of activity you are conducting and the type of infrastructure or bird species present on your project site. What does IPaC use to generate the list of migratory birds that potentially occur in my specified location? The Migratory Bird Resource List is comprised of USFWS Birds of Conservation Concern {BCC). and other species that may warrant special attention in your project location. The migratory bird list generated for your project is derived from data provided by the Avian Knowledge Network (AKN). The AKN data is based on a growing collection of survey, banding, and citizen science datasets and is queried and filtered to return a list of those birds reported as occurring in the 10km grid cell(s) which your project intersects, and that have been identified as warranting special attention because they are a BCC species in that area, an eagle (Eagle Act requirements may apply), or a species that has a particular vulnerability to offshore activities or development. Again, the Migratory Bird Resource list includes only a subset of birds that may occur in your project area. It is not representative of all birds that may occur in your project area. To get a list of all birds potentially present in your project area, please visit the Rapid Avian Information Locator {RAIL) Tool. What does IPaC use to generate the probability of presence graphs for the migratory birds potentially occurring in my specified location? The probability of presence graphs associated with your migratory bird list are based on data provided by the Avian Knowledge Network (AKN).. This data is derived from a growing collection of survey., banding, and citizen science datasets. https:llipac.ecosphere.fws.govllocation/C7B2BTIJW5HJHLOPJNBMBQHLDQ/resources 14117 2/23124, 3:03 PM IPaC: Explore Location resources Probability of presence data is continuously being updated as new and better information becomes available. To learn more about how the probability of presence graphs are produced and how to interpret them, go the Probability of Presence Summary and then click on the "Tell me about these graphs" link. How do I know if a bird is breeding, wintering or migrating in my area? To see what part of a particular bird's range your project area falls within (i.e. breeding, wintering, migrating or year-round), you may query your location using the RAIL Tool and look at the range maps provided for birds in your area at the bottom of the profiles provided for each bird in your results. If a bird on your migratory bird species list has a breeding season associated with it, if that bird does occur in your project area, there may be nests present at some point within the timeframe specified. If "Breeds elsewhere" is indicated, then the bird likely does not breed in your project area. What are the levels of concern for migratory birds? Migratory birds delivered through IPaC fall into the following distinct categories of concern: "BCC Rangewide" birds are Birds of Conservation Concern (BCC) that are of concern throughout their range anywhere within the USA (including Hawaii, the Pacific Islands, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands); 2. "BCC - BCR" birds are BCCs that are of concern only in particular Bird Conservation Regions (BCRs) in the continental USA; and 3. "Non -BCC - Vulnerable" birds are not BCC species in your project area, but appear on your list either because of the Eagle Act requirements (for eagles) or (for non -eagles) potential susceptibilities in offshore areas from certain types of development or activities (e.g. offshore energy development or longline fishing). Although it is important to try to avoid and minimize impacts to all birds, efforts should be made, in particular, to avoid and minimize impacts to the birds on this list, especially eagles and BCC species of rangewide concern. For more information on conservation measures you can implement to help avoid and minimize migratory bird impacts and requirements for eagles, please see the FAQs for these topics. Details about birds that are potentially affected by offshore projects For additional details about the relative occurrence and abundance of both individual bird species and groups of bird species within your project area off the Atlantic Coast, please visit the Northeast Ocean Data Portal. The Portal also offers data and information about other taxa besides birds that may be helpful to you in your project review. Alternately, you may download the bird model results files underlying the portal maps through the NOAA NCCOS Integrative Statistical Modeling and Predictive Mapping of Marine Bird Distributions and Abundance on the Atlantic Outer Continental Shelf project webpage. Bird tracking data can also provide additional details about occurrence and habitat use throughout the year, including migration. Models relying on survey data may not include this information. For additional information on marine bird tracking data, see the Diving Bird Study and the nanotag studies or contact Caleb Spiegel or Pam Loring. What if I have eagles on my list? If your project has the potential to disturb or kill eagles, you may need to obtain a permit to avoid violating the Eagle Act should such impacts occur. https://ipac.ecosphere.fws.gov/location/C7B2BTIJW5HJHLOPJNBMBOHLDQ/resources 15117 2123124, 3:03 PM 1PaC: Explore Location resources Proper Interpretation and Use of Your Migratory Bird Report The migratory bird list generated is not a list of all birds in your project area, only a subset of birds of priority concern. To learn more about how your list is generated, and see options for identifying what other birds may be in your project area, please see the FAQ "What does IPaC use to generate the migratory birds potentially occurring in my specified location". Please be aware this report provides the "probability of presence" of birds within the 10 km grid cell(s) that overlap your project; not your exact project footprint. On the graphs provided, please also look carefully at the survey effort (indicated by the black vertical bar) and for the existence of the "no data" indicator (a red horizontal bar). A high survey effort is the key component. If the survey effort is high, then the probability of presence score can be viewed as more dependable. In contrast, a low survey effort bar or no data bar means a lack of data and, therefore, a lack of certainty about presence of the species. This list is not perfect; it is simply a starting point for identifying what birds of concern have the potential to be in your project area, when they might be there, and if they might be breeding (which means nests might be present). The list helps you know what to look for to confirm presence, and helps guide you in knowing when to implement conservation measures to avoid or minimize potential impacts from your project activities, should presence be confirmed. To learn more about conservation measures, visit the FAQ "Tell me about conservation measures I can implement to avoid or minimize impacts to migratory birds" at the bottom of your migratory bird trust resources page. Facilities National Wildlife Refuge lands Any activity proposed on lands managed by the National Wildlife Refuge system must undergo a 'Compatibility Determination' conducted by the Refuge. Please contact the individual Refuges to discuss any questions or concerns. There are no refuge lands at this location. Fish hatcheries There are no fish hatcheries at this location. Wetlands in the National Wetlands Inventory (NWI) https:llipac.ecosphere .fws.govllocation/C7B2BTIJVV5HJHLONNBMBQHLDQ/resources 16/17 2/23/24, 3:03 PM IPaC: Explore Location resources Impacts to NWI wetlands and other aquatic habitats may be subject to regulation under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act, or other State/Federal statutes. For more information please contact the Regulatory Program of the local U.S. Army Corps of Engineers District. Wetland information is not mailable at this time This can happen when the National Wetlands Inventory (NWI) map service is unavailable, or for very large projects that intersect many wetland areas. Try again, or visit the NWI map to view wetlands at this location. Data limitations The Service's objective of mapping wetlands and deepwater habitats is to produce reconnaissance level information on the location, type and size of these resources. The maps are prepared from the analysis of high altitude imagery. Wetlands are identified based on vegetation, visible hydrology and geography. A margin of error is inherent in the use of imagery; thus, detailed on -the -ground inspection of any particular site may result in revision of the wetland boundaries or classification established through image analysis. The accuracy of image interpretation depends on the quality of the imagery, the experience of the image analysts, the amount and quality of the collateral data and the amount of ground truth verification work conducted. Metadata should be consulted to determine the date of the source imagery used and any mapping problems. Wetlands or other mapped features may have changed since the date of the imagery or field work. There may be occasional differences in polygon boundaries or classifications between the information depicted on the map and the actual conditions on site. Data exclusions Certain wetland habitats are excluded from the National mapping program because of the limitations of aerial imagery as the primary data source used to detect wetlands. These habitats include seagrasses or submerged aquatic vegetation that are found in the intertidal and subticial zones of estuaries and nearshore coastal waters. Some deepwater reef communities (coral or tuberficid worm reefs) have also been excluded from the inventory. These habitats, because of their depth, go undetected by aerial imagery. Data precautions Federal, state, and local regulatory agencies with jurisdiction over wetlands may define and describe wetlands in a different manner than that used in this inventory. There is no attempt, in either the design or products of this inventory, to define the limits of proprietary jurisdiction of any Federal, state, or local government or to establish the geographical scope of the regulatory programs of government agencies. Persons intending to engage in activities involving modifications within or adjacent to wetland areas should seek the advice of appropriate Federal, state, or local agencies concerning specified agency regulatory programs and proprietary jurisdictions that may affect such activities. https:tiipac.ecosphere.fws.gov/location/C7B2BTIJw5HJHLOPJNBMBOHLDQlresources 17117 March 3, 2024 Mr. Charles Sams III Director of National Park Services 1849 C Street, NW Washington, DC 20240 Ms. Kayla Lyon Director of Iowa Department of Natural Resources 502 East 9th Street, 4th Floor Des Moines, IA 50319 Re: Comiskey Park Dear Directors Sams and Director Lyons: Comiskey Park and my story. At the end of 2008, husband and I purchased our home at 2473 Jackson St. directly across from Comiskey Park. We wanted a home in an established neighborhood and a sense of community. We wanted to live in a part of town with families and the energy theybring. We were first time home owners in our mid 20's. Once we found our home we fell in love with the neighborhood and the park. I was told by my coworkers the park had a reputation for not being a nice park. I wanted to prove them wrong on this. We would purchase our home in winter. I waited till spring to start meeting my neighbors. My primary job was and is a less than five (5) blocks from our home. Somedays I walk or bike to work. My working hours are from 7am to 3:30pm. Once springtime bloomed, I made a point of reading books on my front porch after work. This allowed me to get to know my neighbors as I became a stable fixture. Our house is directly across from the one and only basketball and court and cramped playground equipment. On my porch, I took note of the large number of various kids from though our community playing basketball and other games in the park. As well as a group of youth determined to defy gravity on the skate board ride. Some adult servicing tennis matches. From time -to -time pickup soccer games football scrimmages, rugby matches and baseball games were played as well. Due to the location of Comiskey Park this one of only larger parks with a basketball court on this north end of town. The only other available basketball court space is at Prescott School which is about twelve (12) blocks south. The park is roughly five (5) acres on and flat. From my porch I can view most of the entire park. Our old house didn't have central air either. As the summer days warmed up, we'd open our windows. We enjoyed hearing the sounds of kids being kids at the park till the flood lights would turn off at 10pm. I remember hearing kids talked about having to walk home to 12th or 13th street. In the spring of 2009, Chuck and I noticed a sign hanging on the fence staying a monthly neighborhood meeting would be taking place on Wednesday night at 6:30pm. The neighborhood association was called the North End Neighborhood Association or NENA. Little did I know this association would be a pivotal part of my life. At NENA we met our neighbors, city staff, police and fire departments as well as our ward 3 elected city council member - Joyce Connors. This welcoming and inviting atmosphere was the foundation for things to come in my life. Over the years neighbors would meet city staff and learned more and more about our city government. In 2010 the city staff started discussing with NENA the upcoming Bee Branch project. A project that would unearth a buried brick culvert spring and reshape the neighborhood. As well as address 500-year flood events and help protect millions of dollars of property damage from flooding. Over the years NENA was updated on the project by city staff and Joyce Connors. Myself and others asked questions on how this would affect our lives. In 2012 my husband was elected to be the president of NENA and is currently on his fourth 3-year term as president. We watched from our porch this long thought-out project and how it would tie into Comiskey Park. In summer of 2016 Joyce Connors after being on city council for 16 years decided to retire from city council. My husband and I helped Kate Larson become elected to service. When this phase of the Bee Branch was completed in 2018 at the ribbon cutting city staff announced the concept of Reimagine Comiskey Park. This project would incorporate multiple community voices in the north end to create a completely new park with citizen input. The city of Dubuque had never dreamed of such an undertaking. A consultant was higher to work with city staff and citizens. In the summer of 2019, Kate Larson would step down from city council and I decided to throw my hat in the ring. With the help of neighbors and NENA I was elected to serve our citizens. In the fall of 2019 city staff started one of the most unique citizen inputs for the park remodel. A consultant was hired to work with city staff and citizens. The consultant and city staff wanted to incorporate multiple community voices in the north end; NENA, the Marshallese community, neighbors, school age kids, an at -risk youth center called The Dream Center as well as a general public survey we invited to multiple public input brain storming sessions. l would attend at least two said sessions. As an adult with no children. l offered limited input on play equipment. I just wanted to see the fence change. Unfortunately, my idea didn't take hold and I am okay with that to this day. This information gathering process was well thought out and would eventually guide city staff to create the master plan of the park. In 2020 neighbors were excited to see the master plan and the monumental neighborhood project they helped create. The master plan would contain walking trails, three (3) basketball courts, seating, updated and larger parking lot, dark sky lighting, park benches, grilling stations, stormwater management area, a large playing field, picnic spaces, shade structures, over fifty (50) trees and a prairie native seeding area to encourage pollinators to flourish. Myself and many others were excited and felt a true sense of ownership of the things to come. Unfortunately, all the ideas were over the original budget and the project would be cut into two phases. Then in 2020 and 2021 COVID grinds the project to halt. In 2022 Phase 1 is jumpstarted with some delays. In the spring of 2023, the project begins while neighbors watch on. Then on dune 29, 2023 is the ribbon cutting for phase 1 of the Comiskey Park project. I have to say this was one of the most fun and energetic ribbon cuttings. Imagin 800 to 1000 kids and adults around the half the park with holding scissors waiting to cut a ribbon. We were all given a chance to cut the ribbon. Once cut the kids dropped their scissors and ran full stream to be THE FIRST on to playground equipment or the splash pad. The energy would continue all summer and into the fall. Kids and families enjoyed the park. Basketball games, skate boarding, using the splash pad and new play ground equipment. These last few days we have an early spring with temperature up reaching close to the 70 degrees. The.park has been enjoyed by multiple neighborhood kids and families dealing with cabin fever. I opened my windows myself and it put a smile on my face, hearing the kids enjoy the park again. Neighbors want to see phase 2 happen. There are times they feel sort of disenfranchised by not seeing their dreams completed in phase 1. They want to see and use the two (2) additional basketball courts, the trails, the greenery, the new picnic areas with shaped structures and the additional off-street parking. l am asking for your support to help make the dreams of my neighborhood come true. if approved I'll be personally inviting you to attend the 2nd ribbon cutting. Thank you and sincerely, 1 Danny Sprank Ward 3 2473 Jackson St (563) 690 6507 NORTH END NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION 2-25-2024 Mr. Charles Sams III Director National Park Service 1849 C Street, NW Washington, DC 20240 Ms. Kayla Lyon Director Iowa Department of Natural Resources 502 East 9th Street, 4th Floor Des Moines, IA 50319-0034 RE: Support for Dubuque's Comiskey Park Improvements Project Dear Director Sams and Director Lyon: On behalf of NENA, I wish to express my full support for the City of Dubuque's application for Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership (ORLP) grant funding. Federal investment will support the transformation of Comiskey Park into a premier public space. The project is located in an underserved Census Tract with high poverty, low median household incomes, and a significant minority population. ORLP resources will support the following improvements at Comiskey Park: • Two full-size basketball courts; • New shaded picnic areas; • A multi -use playing field; • Trails throughout the park; • A new park entryway; • A 53-stall parking lot; and • Additional landscaping. NENA supports the proposed park project because it supports our mission of keeping people active in our community in a positive ways. Please give the highest consideration to the City of Dubuque's request for ORLP funding. Sincerely, Chuck Harris NENA President lobia *enate State of Iowa Ninetieth General Assembly STATEHOUSE Des Moines, IA 50319 February 26, 2024 Mr. Charles Sams III Director National Park Service 1849 C Street, NW Washington, DC 20240 Ms. Kayla Lyon Director Iowa Department of Natural Resources 502 East 9th Street, 4th Floor Des Moines, IA 50319-0034 RE: Support for Dubuque's Comiskey Park Improvements Project Dear Director Sams and Director Lyon: I wish to express my full support for the City of Dubuque's application for Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership (ORLP) grant funding. Federal investment will support the transformation of Comiskey Park into a premier public space. The project is located in an underserved Census Tract with high poverty, low median household incomes, and a significant minority population. ORLP resources will support the following improvements at Comiskey Park: Two full-size basketball courts; New shaded picnic areas; A multi -use playing field; Trails throughout the park; A new park entryway; A 53-stall parking lot; and I live in this neighborhood and witnessed firsthand the joy the new splash pads in this city park brought to the kids and their parents last summer. Building the basketball courts, trails, and other amenities will not only have a positive impact in this diverse neighborhood, but it will create a stronger community, and improve the economic investment in the north end of Dubuque. Please give the highest consideration to the City of Dubuque's request for ORLP funding. Sincerely, Senate Democratic Leader Senator Pam Jochum February 23, 2024 Mr. Charles Sams III Director National Park Service 1849 C Street, NW Washington, DC 20240 Ms. Kayla Lyon Director Iowa Department of Natural Resources 502 East 9th Street, 4th Floor Des Moines, IA 50319-0034 RE: Support for Dubuque's Comiskey Park Improvements Project Dear Director Sams and Director Lyon: On behalf of Centrally Rooted, I wish to express my full support for the City of Dubuque's application for Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership (ORLP) grant funding. Federal investment will support the transformation of Comiskey Park into a premier public space. The project is located in an underserved Census Tract with high poverty, low median household incomes, and a significant minority population. ORLP resources will support the following improvements at Comiskey Park: • Two full-size basketball courts; • New shaded picnic areas; _ • A multi -use playing field; • Trails throughout the park; • A new park entryway; • A 53-stall parking lot; and • Additional landscaping. Centrally Rooted supports the proposed park project because both our location and mission have been carefully chosen and stated to support the children and families in Dubuque's North End (specifically the lower-income/underserved populations). We seek to support opportunities for these residents whether those be artistic or athletic in nature. We seek to build Dubuque up as a thriving community of residents 563-663-1694 4centrallyrooted.com 2230 Central Ave Dubuque IA 52001 who care about their property, their neighborhood, their community and their city. These additions to Comiskey Park will instill a sense of pride in this part of Dubuque as well as draw families to build up these neighborhoods. Please give the highest consideration to the City of Dubuque's request for ORLP funding. Sincerely, J inebriel, Chair Centrally Rooted 563-663-1694 Icentra l lyrooted.com 2230 Central Ave Dubuque IA 52001 The Point Neighborhood Association (PNA) DATE Feb 22, 2024 Mr. Charles Sams III Director National Park Service 1849 C Street, NW Washington, DC 20240 Ms. Kayla Lyon Director Iowa Department of Natural Resources 502 East 9th Street, 4th Floor Des Moines, IA 50319-0034 RE: Support for Dubuque's Comiskey Park Improvements Project Dear Director Sams and Director Lyon: On behalf of The Point Neighborhood Association, we wish to express our full support for the City of Dubuque's application for Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership (ORLP) grant funding. Federal investment will support the transformation of Comiskey Park into a premier public space. The project is located in an underserved Census Tract with high poverty, low median household incomes, and a significant minority population. ORLP resources will support the following improvements at Comiskey Park: • Two full-size basketball courts; • New shaded picnic areas; • A multi -use playing field; • Trails throughout the park; • A new park entryway; • A 53-stall parking lot; and • Additional landscaping. The Point Neighborhood Association supports the new proposed park project and I can tell you why this is so important to all of us in the neighborhood and the City of Dubuque. Currently the park is used by many citizens not only from the North end of town but from the citizens all over town and visitors who come to Dubuque. Let us keep the momentum going and add the updates to the park. They love the new amenities that are currently there, but stress it is vital for the other amenities to be added to make the park more user friendly and add a new investment and create a more robust economy in the north end of town, Please give the highest consideration to the City of Dubuque's request for ORLP funding. Sincerely, The Point Neighborhood Association Presidnet Sandy Plumley and Secreatry Robin Kennicker NATIONAL MISSISSIPPI RIVER MUSEUM & AQUARIUM IN ASSOCIATION WITH THE SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION February 20, 2024 Mr. Charles Sams III Director National Park Service 1849 C Street, NW Washington, DC 20240 Ms. Kayla Lyon Director Iowa Department of Natural Resources 502 East 9th Street, 4th Floor Des Moines, IA 50319-0034 RE: Support for Dubuque's Comiskey Park Improvements Project Dear Director Sams and Director Lyon: On behalf of The National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium, I wish to express my full support for the City of Dubuque's application for Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership (ORLP) grant funding. Federal investment will support the transformation of Comiskey Park into a premier public space. The project is located in an underserved Census Tract with high poverty, low median household incomes, and a significant minority population. ORLP resources will support the following improvements at Comiskey Park: • Two full-size basketball courts; • New shaded picnic areas; • A multi -use playing field; • Trails throughout the park; • A new park entryway; • A 53-stall parking lot; and • Additional landscaping. The National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium supports the City's proposed park project as it aligns with our programmatic research that reveals public parks and green space provide critical physical, psychological, and social benefits to our urban residents. Through the Museum's Big River CAARES program, which introduces outdoor and water recreation programs to urban youth living in the economically -distressed neighborhoods, we have witnessed increased stewardship toward natural resources due to outdoor play. We encourage you to give the highest consideration to the City of Dubuque's request for ORLP funding. Sincerely, Kurt Strand President & CEO 350 East 3rd Street Dubuque, Iowa 52001 563.557.9545 Fax 563.583.1241 www.rivermuseum.com A property of the Dubuque County Historical Society TRAVEL WUI" February 19, 2024 Mr. Charles Sams III Director National Park Service 1849 C Street, NW Washington, DC 20240 Ms. Kayla Lyon Director Iowa Department of Natural Resources 502 East 9th Street, 4th Floor Des Moines, IA 50319-0034 RE: Support for Dubuque's Comiskey Park Improvements Project Dear Director Sams and Director Lyon: On behalf of Travel Dubuque, I wish to express my full support for the City of Dubuque's application for Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership (ORLP) grant funding. Federal investment will support the transformation of Comiskey Park into a premier public space. The project is located in an underserved Census Tract with high poverty, low median household incomes, and a significant minority population. ORLP resources will support the following improvements at Comiskey Park: • Two full-size basketball courts; • New shaded picnic areas; • A multi -use playing field; • Trails throughout the park; • A new park entryway; • A 53-stall parking lot; and • Additional landscaping. TRAVELDUBUQUE.COM 300 Main Street, Suite 120 1 Dubuque, Iowa 1 52001 WHERE 0STARTED Travel Dubuque fully supports the proposed park project. Parks play a vital role in enhancing the quality of life for residents by providing opportunities for recreation, relaxation, and social interaction. They serve as a gathering place where people of all ages can come together to enjoy nature, participate in outdoor activities, and foster a sense of community. Please give the highest consideration to the City of Dubuque's request for ORLP funding. Sincerely, Sincerely, Keith Rahe PRESIDENT & CEO Travel Dubuque TRAVELDUBUQUE.COM 300 Main Street, Suite 120 1 Dubuque, Iowa 1 52001 WHERE 0STARTED Amy Hawkins I Superintendent of Schools ahawkins,:^-dbqschools.org I P 563/552-3012 1 F 563/552-3014 2300 Chaney Road I Dubuque, Iowa 52001-3059 1 www.dbgschools.org Dubuque COMMUNITY SCHOOLS Mr. Charles Sams III Director National Park Service 1849 C Street, NW Washington, DC 20240 Ms. Kayla Lyon Director Iowa Department of Natural Resources 502 East 9th Street, 4th Floor Des Moines, IA 50319-0034 February 22, 2024 RE: Support for Dubuque's Comiskey Park Improvements Project Dear Director Sams and Director Lyon, On behalf of the Dubuque Community School District, I am pleased to express strong support for the City of Dubuque's Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership (ORLP) grant funding. Federal investment will support the transformation of Comiskey Park into a premier public space. The project is located in an underserved Census Tract with high poverty, low median household incomes, and a significant minority population. ORLP resources will support the following improvements at Comiskey Park: • Two full-size basketball courts • New shaded picnic areas; • A multi -use playing field; • Trails throughout the park; • A new park entryway; • A 53-stall parking lot; and • Additional landscaping. Comisky Park is a recreational facility that is highly used by students and families of the Dubuque Community School District. It is truly a community gathering point and its enhancement will lead to continued community vitality. We are excited to see Comisky Park continue to be a gathering destination of choice in our community — one that fosters strong relationships, health and wellness, and community pride. Thank you in advance for your full consideration of the City of Dubuque's grant application, and for your commitment to improving the vitality of our community and in communities across the country. Sincer y, Amyl my Hawkin Superintendent of Schools CIR Crescent Community HEALTH CENTER February 19, 2024 Mr. Charles Sams III Director National Park Service 1849 C Street, NW Washington, DC 20240 Ms. Kayla Lyon Director Iowa Department of Natural Resources 502 East 9th Street, 4th Floor Des Moines, IA 50319-0034 RE: Support for Dubuque's Comiskey Park Improvements Project Dear Director Sams and Director Lyon: On behalf of Crescent Community Health Center, I wish to express my full support for the City of Dubuque's application for Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership (ORLP) grant funding. Federal investment will support the transformation of Comiskey Park into a premier public space. The project is located in an underserved Census Tract with high poverty, low median household incomes, and a significant minority population. ORLP resources will support the following improvements at Comiskey Park: • Two full-size basketball courts; • New shaded picnic areas; • A multi -use playing field; • Trails throughout the park; • A new park entryway; • A 53-stall parking lot; and • Additional landscaping. Crescent Community Health Center supports the proposed park project because many of our patients struggle with the ability to have venues for improved recreational opportunities, better quality of life and the health benefits of outdoor exercise. We are opening a new wellness center for indoor activities in April 2024 — the proposed Comiskey improvements will certainly be a benefit to the underserved in our area. Our most recent community health needs assessment revealed the struggles with not having enough venues for physical activity leading to obesity, diabetes, and hypertension. Please give the highest consideration to the City of Dubuque's request for ORLP funding. Sincerely, 4(� "(J ' Gary Collins, CEO Crescent Community Health Center 563.690.2860 D U B U Q U E MAIN STREET i a 6 g MAIN STREET • DUBUQUE • IOWA • 5 z o o i- 4 7� 4 [ 5 6 3 1 5 8 8- 4 4 a a •[ 5 6 3 1 5 8 8- o 6 4 5- FAX • W W W. DU BUOU EMA I N S T R E E T. O R G Mr. Charles Sams III, Director National Park Service 1849 C Street, NW Washington, DC 20240 Ms. Kayla Lyon, Director Iowa Department of Natural Resources 502 East 9th Street, 4th Floor Des Moines, IA 50319-0034 RE: Support for Dubuque's Comiskey Park Improvements Project Dear Director Sams and Director Lyon: February 22, 2024 On behalf of Dubuque Main Street, I wish to express my full support for the City of Dubuque's application for Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership (ORLP) grant funding. Federal investment will support the transformation of Comiskey Park into a premier public space. The project is in an underserved Census Tract with high poverty, low median household incomes, and a significant minority population. ORLP resources will support the following improvements at Comiskey Park: • Two full-size basketball courts. • New shaded picnic areas. • A multi -use playing field. • Trails throughout the park. • A new park entryway. • A 53-stall parking lot; and • Additional landscaping. Dubuque Main Street supports the proposed park project because the changes to Comiskey Park have injected hope and positivity into the residents of this neighborhood. It is important for Dubuque to complete this incredible park because the children of the neighborhood deserve it, it adds a sense of place and pride to the neighborhood, and adds values to the properties within walking distance. Please give the highest consideration to the City of Dubuque's request for ORLP funding. Sincerely, Danielle Jacobs Executive Director Dubuque Main Street A MAIN STREET IOWA AFFILIATE or* 0 CASIN o DIAMOND IO e February 22, 2024 Mr. Charles Sams III Director National Park Service 1849 C Street, NW Washington, DC 20240 Ms. Kayla Lyon Director Iowa Department of Natural Resources 502 East 9th Street, 4th Floor Des Moines, IA 50319-0034 RE: Support for Dubuque's Comiskey Park Improvements Project Dear Director Sams and Director Lyon: On behalf of DRA (Dubuque Racing Association) I wish to express my full support for the City of Dubuque's application for Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership (ORLP) grant funding. Federal investment will support the transformation of Comiskey Park into a premier public space. The project is located in an underserved Census Tract with high poverty, low median household incomes, and a significant minority population. ORLP resources will support the following improvements at Comiskey Park: • Two full-size basketball courts; • New shaded picnic areas; • A multi -use playing field; • Trails throughout the park; • A new park entryway; • A 53-stall parking lot; and • Additional landscaping. DRA supports the proposed park project because it represents a crucial investment in the community's well-being, promising improved recreational opportunities and a better quality of life for all residents. By transforming Comiskey Park into a vibrant public space, we anticipate significant health benefits, increased social cohesion, and enhanced access to nature, aligning with our mission to promote a thriving and equitable Dubuque. Please give the highest consideration to the City of Dubuque's request for ORLP funding. Sincerely, Alex Dixon, President & CEO 1855 Greyhound Park Road • Dubuque, IA 52001 • dradubuque.com TOGETHER, WE CAN MAKE AN IMPACT. ,Ao�� Community Foundation OF GREATER DUBUQUE December 31, 2021 Mr. Charles Sams III Director National Park Service 1849 C Street, NW Washington, DC 20240 Ms. Kayla Lyon Director Iowa Department of Natural Resources 502 East 9th Street, 4th Floor Des Moines, IA 50319-0034 RE: Support for Dubuque's Comiskey Park Improvements Project Dear Director Sams and Director Lyon: 700 Locust St., Suite 195, Dubuque, IA 52001 563.588.2700 1 dbgfoundation.org On behalf of the Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque, I wish to express my full support for the City of Dubuque's application for Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership (ORLP) grant funding. Federal investment will support the transformation of Comiskey Park into a premier public space. The project is located in an underserved Census Tract with high poverty, low median household incomes, and a significant minority population. ORLP resources will support the following improvements at Comiskey Park: Two full-size basketball courts; New shaded picnic areas; A multi -use playing field; Trails throughout the park; A new park entryway; A 53-stall parking lot; and Additional landscaping. The Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque supports the proposed park project because this neighborhood has been traditionally underserved by outdoor recreation amenities. All residents in Dubuque deserve access to parks that help promote healthy lifestyles, fitness, and community cohesion. Please give the highest consideration to the City of Dubuque's request for ORLP funding. Sincerely, Mcy. �M 4*i" 1 0 Nancy Van Milligen President & CEO Our Mission: Strengthen communities and inspire giving. February 23, 2024 Mr. Charles Sams III Director National Park Service 1849 C Street, NW Washington, DC 20240 Ms. Kayla Lyon Director Iowa Department of Natural Resources 502 East 9th Street, 4th Floor Des Moines, IA 50319-0034 RE: Support for Dubuque's Comiskey Park Improvements Project Dear Director Sams and Director Lyon: Greater Dubuque DEVELOPMENT CORP. Schmid Innovation Center 900 Jackson St., Suite 109 Dubuque, IA 52001 www.greatardubuque.org On behalf of Greater Dubuque Development Corporation I wish to express my full support for the City of Dubuque's application for Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership (ORLP) grant funding. Federal investment will support the transformation of Comiskey Park into a premier public space. The project is located in an underserved Census Tract with high poverty, low median household incomes, and a significant minority population. ORLP resources will support the following improvements at Comiskey Park: • Two full-size basketball courts; • New shaded picnic areas; • A multi -use playing field; • Trails throughout the park; • A new park entryway; • A 53-stall parking lot; and • Additional landscaping. Greater Dubuque Development knows that the key to any community's future is to be a community of choice. The improvements funded by the ORLP grant will create that community in one of our most challenged neighborhoods. It is right and fitting that Dubuque's finest park is in our poorest census track. Please give the highest consideration to the City of Dubuque's request for ORLP funding. In your service, Rick Dickinson President & CEO YOU can be great here. DUBUQUE AREA i �� CHAMBER VVi1ERE 3JSINE5S BELONGS 300 Main Street I Suite 200 1 Dubuque, IA 52001 February 22" d, 2024 Mr. Charles Sams III Director National Park Service 1849 C Street, NW Washington, DC 20240 Ms. Kayla Lyon Director Iowa Department of Natural Resources 502 East 9th Street, 4th Floor Des Moines, IA 50319-0034 RE: Support for Dubuque's Comiskey Park Improvements Project Dear Director Sams and Director Lyon: On behalf of the Dubuque Area Chamber of Commerce, I wish to express my full support for the City of Dubuque's application for Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership (ORLP) grant funding. Federal investment will support the transformation of Comiskey Park into a premier public space. The project is located in an underserved Census Tract with prevalent poverty, low median household incomes, and a significant minority population. ORLP resources will support the following improvements at Comiskey Park: • Two full-size basketball courts • New shaded picnic areas • A multi -use playing field • Trails throughout the park • A new park entryway • A 53-stall parking lot • Additional landscaping The Dubuque Area Chamber of Commerce supports the proposed park project because investing in amenities promotes a high quality of life which is key to attracting and retaining talent in our region. We support continued investment in parks, waterways, and facilities that meet the needs of residents. Please give the highest consideration to the City of Dubuque's request for ORLP funding Sincerely, 07 Molly Grover, President & CEO Dubuque Area Chamber of Commerce Rep. Lindsay James Iowa House District 77 g 7007 E Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50379 563-235-4278 V lindsay.james@legis.iowa.gov February 26, 2024 Mr. Charles Sams III Director National Park Service 7849 C Street, NW Washington, DC 20240 Ms. Kayla Lyon Director Iowa Department of Natural Resources 502 East 9th Street, 4th Floor Des Moines, IA 50379-0034 RE. Support for Dubuque's Comiskey Park Improvements Project Dear Director Sams and Director Lyon: On behalf of the City of Dubuque, I wish to express my full support for the City of Dubuque's application for Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership (ORLP) grant funding. Federal investment will support the transformation of Comiskey Park into a premier public space. The project is located in an underserved Census Tract with high poverty, low median household incomes, and a significant minority population. ORLP resources will support the following improvements at Comiskey Park: • Two full-size basketball courts; • New shaded picnic areas; • A multi -use playing field; • Trails throughout the park; • A new park entryway; • A 53-stall parking lot; and • Additional landscaping. The City of Dubuque supports the proposed park project because the improved recreational opportunities will help create a better quality of life for the residents of this underserved neighborhood. Everyone, regardless of income level, deserves access to high -quality recreational opportunities. Please give the highest consideration to the City of Dubuque's request for ORLP funding. Sincerely, Sincerely, Lindsay James State Representative Iowa House District 71 JONI K. ERNST IOWA VICE CHAIRMAN, SENATE REPUBLICAN CONFERENCE WASHIN GTON, DC OFFICE 730 HART SENATE OFFICE BUILDING WASH I NGTON, DC 20510 PHONE:202-224-3254 FAX:202-224.9369 WI.%W,EHNST.SENATE.GOV Ms. Elaine Hackett United $tatcs $mate Congressional Liaison National Park Service 1849 C Street NW, Room 3325 Washington, DC 20240-0001 Dear Ms. Hackett, February 29, 2024 COMMITTEES ARMED SERVICES AGRICULTURE, NUTRITION AND FORESTRY ENVIRONMENT AND PUBLIC WORKS JUDICIARY SMALL BUSINESS AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP I wish to express my support for the City of Dubuque, Iowa's application for Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership (ORLP) grant funding. Federal investment will support the transformation of Comiskey Park into a premier public space. The project is located in an underserved Census Tract with high poverty, low median household incomes, and a significant minority population. ORLP resources will support the many needed improvements at Comiskey Park. I would appreciate your thorough and expeditious consideration for Dubuque, in accordance with all rules and regulations. Please forward your response to Emily Covey in my Des Moines office at 733 Federal Building, 210 Walnut Street, Des Moines, IA 50309 or by phone at (515) 284- 4574. Emily may also be reached by email at Emily_Covey@ernst-senate.gov. Sincerely, a fsj- Joni K. Ernst United States Senator JE/EC Des MOINES OFFICE CEDAR RAPIDS OFFICE DAVENPORT OFFICE 733 FEDERAL BUILDING 111 SEVENTH AVENUE SE 201 WEST SECOND STREET 210 WAt.NUT STREET SUITE 480 SUITE 8G6 DES MOINES, IA 50309 CEDAR RAPIDS, IA 52401 DAVENPORT, IA 52801 PHONE�515-28"574 PHONE:319-365-4504 PHO-.E:563-322-0fi77 FAX 515-284 4937 FAX:319-365-4683 FAX 563-322-0854 SIUUX CITY OFFICE 194 FEDERAL BUILDING 320 SIXTH STREET SIOUX CITY, IA 51101 PHONE: 712-252-1550 FAX 712-252-1638 COUNCIL BLUFFS OFFICE 221 FEDERAL BUILDING 8 SOUTH SIXTY. STREET COUNCIL BLUFFS, IA 5150' PHONE 712-352-1167 FAX:712-352-GO87 ASHLEY HINSON 2ND DISTRICT, IOWA SELECT COMMITTEE ON THE STRATEGIC COMPETITION BETWEEN THE UNITED STATES AND THE CHINESE COMMUNIST PARTY Tonigee a of tale Uniteb #taus 30oua of Repre5entatibeg as4ingtan, DT 20515--1501 Teri Goodmann Director of Strategic Partnerships City of Dubuque, Iowa 50 West 13"' Street Dubuque, Iowa 52001 Dear Ms. Goodmann: COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS SUBCOMMITTEES FINANCIAL SERVICES AND GENERAL GOVERNMENT AGRICULTURE, RURAL DEVELOPMENT, FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION HOMELAND SECURITY I write in support of the City of Dubuque's application for the Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership (ORLP) grant for Phase Two of Comiskey Park. I intend to submit a formal letter of support directly to the Department of the Interior for the City's application. Please do not hesitate to reach out to Georgie Hilby in my office at georgie.hilby(cL-1 il.hoLIse.s4ov should you have any questions. Sincerely a4'k ' 4-64av%, Ashley Hibon Member of Congress 1717 LONG*CRTH HOUSE OFFICE BUILDING WASHINGTaN, DC 20515- {202)2252911 531 COMMERCIAL STREET SUITE 302 WATERLOO, IA 50701 (319) 266-6925 1050 MAIN STREET DUBLI IA 52001 (563) 557-7789 111 SEVENTH AVENUE SE SUITE 580 CEDAR RAPIDS, IA 52401 (319) 364-228B PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER 12/2023 cmc DNR Form 542-0529 Narrative Work funded in previous ORLP grant List date of assistance, amount, and work funded/land purchased if assistance received: ORLP LWCF UPARR FLP Park has not been assisted with any of these funds/programs. Recovery (UPARR) grant and/or was it obtained through the Federal Parks to Lands program: Indicate if the park or site was assisted through a previous ORLP, LWCF, Urban Park and Recreation New Park Expanded Existing Park Neither Expanded nor New Park Select the Applicable Project Result: Acquisition New Development Renovation Combo Acquisition/Development Select the Applicable Project Type: Project site and community(ies) served listed by Census Tract number: Project City’s 2020 Census Population (must be over 30,000): Project Property Address/Location: Name of Property Title Holder: Project Title: Name of Park/Property: Email: Project Sponsor & Contact Name: State Contact Name: Email: PROJECT DATA PAGE (1 page limit)A. Round 7 Project Narrative (10 Page Limit, 12-point font) Land and Water Conservation Fund, Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership (ORLP) Program Iowa Department of Natural Resources 1 | P a g e REIMAGINE COMISKEY PARK – PHASE 2 PROJECT SUMMARY (up to 250 words) Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership (ORLP) funding will support recreational improvements at Comiskey Park in Dubuque, Iowa. The project will provide disadvantaged residents in the North End and Washington neighborhoods with greater opportunities for play and leisure activities. National Park Service (NPS) resources will benefit people who live in Census Tract 19061000500, with 24.1% poverty (compared to 12.5% nationally), a median household income of $37,952 (less than the national level of $75,149), and a significant minority population (23.7%). Federal investment will support: • Construction of two full-size basketball courts; • Development of new shaded picnic areas; • Replacement of an older basketball court, skate spot, and tennis court with a multi-use playing field; • Building trails throughout the park; • Establishment of a new park entryway; • Creation of a 53-stall parking lot; and • Additional landscaping including trees and native plantings. Rehabilitation of Comiskey Park will transform this loved-to-death public space. The proposed improvements are a result of the extensive “Re-Imagine Comiskey” community engagement process (supported with a previous ORLP grant) that involved input sessions, focus groups, community surveys, and a music-infused Hip Hop PARKitecture workshop designed for children ages 10-17. Key planning participants included local neighborhood associations, the Dubuque Community School District, youth organizations, and non-profit community partners. All proposed work can be completed within 1 1/2 years. The City will break ground at Comiskey Park within 1/2 year. Key project milestones include completion of final design (December 2024, pre-agreement), permits secured (August 2025), construction commences (June 2026), and park re-opening (July 2027). 1 | P a g e B. REIMAGINE COMISKEY PARK – PHASE 2 PROJECT OVERVIEW Dubuque seeks ORLP funding to support recreational improvements at Comiskey Park (255 East 24th Street). The property sits within Census Tract 19061000500, identified as “disadvantaged” by the White House Council on Environmental Quality’s Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool (CEJST). Comiskey Park is a 5.7-acre public space that includes numerous recreational features, including a signature playground, splash pad, 2 outdoor basketball courts, 3 shaded picnic shelters, skate spot, tennis court, softball/baseball field, open space for other activities, and the existing Comiskey building which provides restrooms for the park. A 2017 ORLP grant helped begin Comiskey Park’s transformation into a showcase neighborhood attraction. This second phase of work will complete the vision established through the “Re-Imagine Comiskey” community engagement process. Comiskey Park is the only convenient outdoor space for Dubuque’s historic North End and Washington neighborhoods. This area is characterized by older building stock on small lots. The majority of residents in these neighborhoods are low- to moderate-income, and are diverse racially and ethnically compared to the city as a whole. Census Tract 19061000500 has higher poverty (24.1%, compared to 12.5% nationally), lower median household income ($37,952 compared to $75,149 across the United States), and a significant minority population (23.7%). Recreational improvement efforts at Comiskey Park will increase park access, enhance quality of life, and mitigate health disparities for disadvantaged households in Dubuque. With federal investment, Dubuque will conduct the following improvements (see site plan): • Basketball courts – One colorful basketball court (see photo) was developed with 2017 ORLP funding. Opened in 2023, demand at the facility for court time is high. Additional funding is required to build two more full-size basketball courts. • Multi-use playing field – During Phase 1, construction of the playground and splash pad required the removal of a multi-use lawn playing field. A large multi-use field is needed at Comiskey Park to accommodate a variety of sports, lawn games, and open recreation play. In Phase 2, an old basketball court and skate spot at the end of their useful lives will be demolished. A never-used tennis court and softball infield will also be removed. These amenities will be replaced with a new, well-drained, multi-use playing field able to fit a full- size soccer field. When complete, the project will end with a larger lawn area clear of obstacles. • Play area – A new hard-surface play area adjacent to the 2 new basketball courts will encourage open recreation by children of all ages and abilities. • Trails – Dubuque will construct fully-accessible concrete pathways throughout the public space to provide better accessibility to park features and promote healthy living for all. • Shaded structures and amenities –With the development of Phase I, Comiskey Park is now used heavely by families in the North End and Washington neighborhoods all seven days of the week. It is one of Dubuque’s busiest parks, year-round; with use only expected to increase following the creation ofPhase 2 amentities. On Sundays after church services, Marshallese residents gather for a full day of picnicing and play. The current structures and spaces are used heavily for family & community parties and gatherings due to the small houses in the surrounding neighborhoods Picnic areas, shade, and grills rated high in the public engagement process. 8 new shade structures, 7 grills, 12 picnic tables, 4 seat walls, 18 benches and 1 drinking fountain will be added to Comiskey Park. 2 | P a g e • Seating – Benches and seat walls will be installed around the new basketball courts and picnic area. Where possible, these amenities will be curved and/or placed to encourage interaction and conversations among visitors & residents. This proved very successful in Phase 1, as more seating was highly sought during public engagement. • Park entryway – A new entryway to Comiskey Park mirroring the current 24th and Jackson entry will be created at 25th Street and Jackson Street, across from the Dubuque Marshallese New Hope church. Community input favored keeping the existing fence along Jackson and 25th Streets but removing the fence at the corner for better park access and an accessible entry. • Parking lot – An old 18-stall parking lot will be removed to support new shade structures and picnicking adjacent to the splash pad. A new 53-stall parking lot will be constructed near the proposed basketball courts, providing greater access to the park and serving as a trailhead for the adjacent Heritage Trail extension. The parking lot will include two parking spaces for persons with disabilities. A larger parking lot is crucial as many neighborhood residents already park along streets due to small lot sizes. The parking lot is needed to attract visitors and all city residents while avoiding any negative impact on the neighborhood due to parking needs. • Bike loops – 18 bike loops will be provided throughout the park supporting alternative transportation modes and encouraging additional healthy activity. • Lighting – Community input highlighted lighting as an important safety tool. New lighting will also promote after-hours activities and contribute to the overall aesthetic appeal of the park. Pedestrian lighting will be installed along trails and streets. The 2 new basketball courts will also be lit for extended hours of play. • Landscaping – Trees, native and perennial plants, and stormwater management areas containing native plants will be added. Shade was very important in community engagement and trees specifically were called out as especially desirable. The need for park amenities is growing within the city. All the proposed improvements are new development activities, aimed at expanding recreational opportunities at Comiskey Park. The identified features have been prioritized by the community, which will benefit residents of Census Tract 19061000500. There are no constraints to developing the recreational elements at the site. Overhead electric lines parallel 24th Street, part of Jackson Street, and the eastern line of the park. The City of Dubuque has engaged with the community in many ways over the last several years, supported with the 2017 ORLP funding. Branded “Re-Imagine Comiskey,” the process included a broad cross-section of the community – North End and Washington neighborhood residents, park patrons, local businesses, and other local partners and organizations. Saiki Design was selected to assist with community input. Subcontractor Urban Assets brought on-the-ground equity experience. Michael Ford of BrandNu Design, known as the Hip Hop Architect, added another dimension with the use of music and other forms of expression to attract marginalized youth who typically do not get involved in capital project planning. The consultants, along with Dubuque’s Leisure Services, Engineering, Human Rights, Planning, and Neighborhood Development departments, created a Comiskey Park master plan directly representing the views of participating stakeholders and residents and was formally approved by the Dubuque City Council in July 2021. ORLP investment will help Dubuque provide an array of outdoor amenities and establish a greater passive/active recreation balance that people of all ages and interests can enjoy. The project responds to the recreational demands of the community. 3 | P a g e C. REIMAGINE COMISKEY PARK–PHASE 2 PROJECT CRITERIA INFORMATION Criterion 1 – Project Merit (50-points) Recreational demand is high in Dubuque. Limited downtown parks and deteriorating conditions at many of these facilities create barriers for residents seeking to enjoy the outdoors. The City must invest in and strengthen its park system to meet expanding needs. The proposed improvements at Comiskey Park help to enhance recreational opportunities for some of Dubuque’s most economically disadvantaged populations. Comiskey Park is a recreational asset that serves the marginalized North End and Washington neighborhoods. Located at 255 East 24th Street, the facility sits in Census Tract 19061000500, identified as “disadvantaged” by CEJST. Census Tract 19061000500 suffers from poor quality housing stock, income inequality, and economic disinvestment. This area includes a significant minority population (23.7%), with strong Black (13.8%), Hispanic (4.5%), and Pacific Islander (3.6%) representation. The U.S. Census Bureau reports poverty rates of 24.1% in the area, more than twice the county (10.0%) and state (11.1%) levels. The household median income in the neighborhoods surrounding Comiskey Park is $37,952, well below the Iowa ($70,571) and United States ($75,149) measures. Exactly 33.9% of households in Census Tract 19061000500 rely upon Food Stamp benefits. The North End and Washington neighborhoods include significant numbers of children under 18 (22.1%), seniors 65 and over (13.6%), and disabled residents (19.7%). In total, approximately 5,842 people live within a 0.5-mile radius of Comiskey Park and 15,142 residents are within 1.0 mile of the facility. There are limited close-to-home outdoor recreation sites within the project area. Within 0.5 mile or a 10-minute walk of Comiskey Park, only the 1- mile Bee Branch Creek Greenway (multi-use trail, outdoor amphitheater, garden, and bioswale boardwalk), 1-acre Burden Park (basketball court, playground), and 3-acre Madison Park (playground, shelter) exist. A number of smaller neighborhood parks sit within 1.0 mile of Comiskey Park, including the 1-acre Avon (playground), 0.2-acre Elmwood Green Park (open space), 9-acre Gay Park (baseball/softball field, basketball court, playground), 0.2-acre Grant Park (open space), 2-acre Jackson (playground), 0.2-acre Orange Park (playground), 0.5-acre Pinard Park (playground), and 0.1-acre Rocco Buda Jr. Park (playground, shelter). Many of these facilities (Avon, Elmwood Garden, Gay, Madison, and Rocco Buda Jr.) are not easily accessible for many North End and Washington neighborhood residents due to transportation and natural barriers including bluffs. Nature-based Solution Due to small lot sizes, there is little open space in the North End and Washington neighborhoods. ORLP funding will support the development of a large, grass multi-use playing field where residents can gather for sports and other recreational activities, creating a large open space. Trails through the outdoor public space will encourage regular exercise and healthier lifestyles. Along one trail in the eastern portion of the park is a linear area of native grasses and forbes near benches and a shade structure creating a passive nature element to the active park. The enhanced natural components include new trees, a new stormwater management bioswale, and 6 decorative planting beds of perennial plants. .41 acres of native plantings and .36 acres of decorative plantings will be added as a part of Phase 2 development. The park was devastated by Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) and had only 8 trees remaining. The 2017 ORLP grant added 9 trees with this grant adding an 4 | P a g e additional 54 trees. Jackson Street was a tree lined street before EAB and only one tree currently remains. This project will create tree-lined streets. Trees and shade were highly desired additions in public engagement especially in active areas of the park for spectators. The trees will be maintained after planting and grant close-out by the Multicultural Family Center Teen Resiliency Corps through a U.S. Forest Service Urban Forestry grant. Community Engagement Dubuque conducted various community engagement activities which led to the development of the Comiskey Park master plan, supported with ORLP funding. In 2019, the City’s Leisure Services Department, in partnership with a consulting team, launched the “Re-Imagine Comiskey” campaign to gather input from the community on how to improve the public space. Outreach tools used were the Leisure Services website, social media, media releases, email blasts, information provided through the school district to students, informational flyers circulated by partners and posted throughout the neighborhoods, banners and posters at the park, and more. A kickoff event attended by approximately 75 people, focus groups (5 with approximately 20 participants), and a concept reveal attended by approximately 85 people were held to identify their desires for the park from dreams to concepts to the final master plan. A music-infused Hip Hop PARKitecture workshop was designed for children ages 10-17 with approximately 25 participants. At the workshop, attendees explored city park planning and urban design through hip hop culture and worked in small groups to create a design concept for Comiskey Park. Residents were also invited to share their ideas through online and paper surveys. 192 responses were received from the survey. During the campaign, many stakeholder groups were engaged including the North End Neighborhood Association, youth organizations (e.g., children from neighboring Audubon and Fulton Elementary Schools, PTAs), and non-profit partners (e.g., Fountain of Youth, Dream Center). The City also partnered with the Multicultural Family Center, Crescent Community Health Center, the Carnegie Stout Public Library, and others to conduct outreach. Crescent Community Health Center arranged a special meeting with Marshallese women with an interpreter present to assist all those present in filling out the survey and Leisure Services staff answered questions. As the final design planning was being held, residents were surveyed again to help select specific components of the splash pad and playground as well as the colors of each. The components and colors seen today in Phase 1 are the top choices of those surveyed at this step. The result of the community engagement sessions and surveys indicated that residents felt the playground, basketball courts, and an open field for sports, lawn games, and recreation were important amenities to keep, enlarge, and/or upgrade at the park. Other desired amenities included a splash pad, picnic areas, grills, more seating, and park shelters that are currently available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Passive areas with native planting and paths were desired. Residents preferred more and smaller shade structures versus one large one. In March 2020, the project team shared the vision the community developed for the expanded and improved Comiskey Park. The public was invited to review two draft concepts and provide comments, thoughts, and reactions to help shape the final park design. The Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission and Dubuque City Council approved the Comiskey Park master plan in 2021. Phase 1 of the “Re-Imagine Comiskey” improvements ($2.4 million total) were constructed in 2022 and early 2023. A ribbon-cutting for Phase 1 completion was held June 29, 2023. The 5 | P a g e event set the record for the most people participating in an opening celebration in Dubuque history. The ribbon was wrapped around all the park elements and everyone present (youngest to oldest) was handed kid scissors to cut their portion of the ribbon, dignitaries along-side neighborhood residents. The North End, Point, and Washington neighborhoods are so enthused by the recommended Phase 2 improvements at Comiskey Park and cannot wait. The project enjoys a high level of support from area residents and local partners. The attached letters of support demonstrate the partnerships and collaborative efforts and the love for what is there and opportunity to expand it. The community input prior to Phase 1 was inclusive and thorough. A major focus was placed on hearing the voices of the marginalized and amplifying their voices in the designs. Then coming back to them to make sure we heard right. The feedback from Phase 1 is to continue with the plan and finish it as designed in the master plan. The engagement included a focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion of underrepresented groups and the success of that is evidenced in the use of the park by individuals of all ages of the underrepresented groups. This phase of development is making their dreams and desires come true. As with the first phase, a communication plan will be put in place to share details of the award if received as well as construction steps and updates. Another special inclusive focused ribbon cutting will be held. Preventing Gentrification Dubuque’s project meets the Biden Administration’s Executive Order on Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government and Justice40 Initiative goals. Equity and inclusion are central frameworks of the City’s mission to build a vibrant community. Through that lens, Dubuque has identified the need to improve recreational access for minority and low-income residents within the North End and Washington neighborhoods. Revitalization of Comiskey Park complements local policies to increase transit-oriented development, encourage sustainable growth, promote affordable housing, and prevent gentrification. The City’s Housing and Community Development Department has the following programs that work to combat gentrification: • Down payment/closing cost assistance loans up to $25,000 in the Comiskey Park area for households under 80% annual median income (AMI). Zero-percent interest, low-payment loans are also available to low- and moderate-income Census Tracts (including 19061000500). • Housing rehabilitation loans of up to $25,000 for homeowners under 80% AMI are available in the North End and Washington neighborhoods. For residents under 30% AMI, loans are no payment, due on sale. • An energy-efficient house is currently being built on an infill lot less than a block from Comiskey Park that will be sold to a low-mod income household, with the opportunity for the down payment loan listed above. The homes that the City or partners like Affordable Housing Network, Inc. (AHNI) sell are subject to a 21-year covenant stating that they must be owner- occupied during that time. • Dubuque will also be building affordable housing on Brunswick Street in the North End neighborhood. • The City currently has two contracts with ANHI to: 6 | P a g e o Purchase/rehab/resell single family homes (most in Comiskey Park area) o Purchase/rehab/manage affordable rentals, including 2 units a couple blocks away from Comiskey Parks with another 4 units approximately 6 blocks from the facility coming online soon. Non-housing-related programs include: • Dubuque provides funding for the non-profit Convivium (located in the North End neighborhood) to manage community gardens in the Comiskey Park area, providing access to fresh, healthy foods for the disadvantaged populations surrounding the facility. • Low- and moderate-income microenterprises (City Girl Farming, Wicked River Events) in the area have received City funding to increase economic growth. Recreational improvements will enhance quality of life for minority and low-income residents and support the City’s equity goals. Dubuque is one of the first communities in the country to adopt a local equity plan – the 2021 Dubuque Equitable Poverty Reduction and Prevention Plan. Mayor Brad Cavanagh is committed to “closing the gaps” in the community so that race does not predict one’s success. Dubuque has adopted numerous equity policies and practices to challenge long- standing racial bias. The City has also created the Office of Shared Prosperity and Neighborhood Support to ensure that historically-disenfranchised residents enjoy a seat at the table. Anderson Sainci, the Director of the Office of Shared Prosperity and Neighborhood Support, will participate in efforts to engage and inform disadvantaged individuals in project implementation. Outcomes The Comiskey Park project will help meet the outdoor recreation needs of underserved neighborhoods in Dubuque, as well as generate economic outcomes that benefit those households. Besides Comiskey Park, there are few recreational facilities within 0.5 miles of most area residents. Comiskey Park users still experience deteriorating conditions at the site, including an obsolete basketball court, skate spot, and a tennis court that is never used. A second round of ORLP investment will transform a once deteriorating facility and provide both passive/active recreational opportunities for users of all ages and abilities. Dubuque anticipates that use of the facility will grow by 20% following the proposed improvements. This estimate is based on community feedback gathered through the planning process, similar experiences in other local parks following renovations, and increased use seen after Phase 1 completion. The receipt of this grant would mean that Reimagine Comiskey could be accomplished in just two phases, disrupting the use of the park only twice. Prior to this Round 7 ORLP grant opportunity, the City had been planning a four-phased approach. That work would disrupt park activities and disenfranchise North End and Washington neighborhood residents as the project would take up to 10 years to complete. Disenfranchising persons in lower socio-economic areas creates even greater disengagement and feeling of loss by the community. The goal of the project is to improve close-to-home park and recreation opportunities for two marginalized areas – the North End and Washington neighborhoods. These targeted areas have high poverty and low access to outdoor recreation space (few significant parks within a 10-minute walk for much of the area besides Comiskey Park). The project will also generate economic benefits in the city. In the short-term, the construction activities at Comiskey Park will create jobs 7 | P a g e for area workers. The project will also create long-term jobs both at the site and within the surrounding area, including park maintenance workers, sports league officials, summer camp counselors, playground supervisors, and indirect service sector employment (e.g., food). An improved Comiskey Park will also enhance the community’s overall appeal and help to create a larger tax base. Criterion 2 – Technical Excellence (50-points) Alignment with SCORP The Comiskey Park project aligns with the Iowa Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP): • The Iowa 2023-2028 SCORP provides a “framework for outdoor recreation priorities and plans that will enhance Iowa’s natural resources while contributing to the well-being and enjoyment of all Iowans.” Overall, the proposed project meets Outdoor Recreation Priorities 1 (Enhance the Quality of Life of Iowans Through the Availability and Diversity of Natural Resources, Parks and Outdoor Recreation Opportunities) and 2 (The Right Opportunities. The Right Place. Done the Right Way) of the SCORP. Priority 1 recommendation is to embrace diversity, equity, and inclusion to improve access to all levels of need to enhance connection with the outdoors (pages 24-25). Dubuque’s demographics are changing with a growing minority population, especially in the Comiskey Park area. This project creates a level playing field for individuals and groups according to their needs. It attracts and accommodates a wide range of diverse people, opening the door so that all that want to participate can. The SCORP shared that “building a foundation of inclusiveness takes time and involves bringing to the table under-represented populations to hear their thoughts on the barriers to participation and improvements to areas and facilities as well as a willingness to take action.” Phase 1 of Comiskey Park improvements proves that if you listen, they will come and play. The under-represented populations are coming to the facility and enjoying it morning to night. The nature-based, passive component of Phase 2 meets the personal benefits of outdoor recreation, including a sense of peace, relaxation or stress relief, positive family activities, mental and emotional health, health and fitness, healthy childhood development, and the healing power of the outdoors shared in the SCORP. The SCORP promotes a “diverse range of quality outdoor experiences … at the local level to meet outdoor recreation, public health, and tourism demands.” The proposed play area will provide a “close-to-home recreation opportunity” for North End and Washington neighborhood children, particularly low-income and minority individuals (page 39 of SCORP). The Iowa Department of Natural Resources conducted the 2022 Iowa Residents’ Participation in and Attitudes Toward Outdoor Recreation study to gather information for the 2023-2028 SCORP. Specific recreational components align with survey responses: o Basketball – The SCORP highlights the physical benefits of outdoor recreation activities to “keep Iowans active and healthy throughout their life” (page 3 of SCORP). Basketball is a low-cost recreational activity that is hugely popular at Comiskey Park. Statewide, exactly 79 percent of respondents urged the State to invest in park facilities like basketball courts (page 26 of study). New basketball courts will help to meet demand in the community. 8 | P a g e o Multi-use playing field – Survey respondents in eastern Iowa prioritized the development of sports fields – 43 percent “high priority” and 35 percent “medium priority” (page 226 of study). Construction of a new multi-use playing field will accommodate a variety of sports and address more than one need. o Trails – Survey respondents indicated that they spend 50.1 days per year on trails for exercise (page 6 of study). Trail use and walking were identified as the top two physical activities engaged in by Iowans (page 7 of study). New trail creation will help to promote healthy living. o Picnic areas – Picnicking outdoors is a highly popular three-season activity in the state. The SCORP survey indicated that 84 percent of Iowans were interested in “picnicking, BBQing, or cooking out” in the near future (page 4 of the study). Trees, new shaded structures, picnic tables, and grills will help Dubuque to increase local opportunities for picnicking and provide users with a more enjoyable experience. Relevant City Plans, Goals, and Initiatives Supporting the Project • The Imagine Dubuque 2037 Comprehensive Plan notes that a key role of local government is to “provide services that enhance the quality of life in a community,” including the development of parks. Comiskey Park renovation is specifically referenced as a City Council priority (2018-2023). • In 2021, the City released its Dubuque Equitable Poverty Reduction and Prevention Plan, which identifies policies and practices that ensure that all residents have a path to prosperity. The report specifically identified “access to resources” as a barrier that limits individuals’ employment opportunities, education, health care, and other civic life. ORLP funding will support a public park that has been historically neglected. • The project supports Dubuque’s 2020 Climate Action Plan, which identifies trees and greenspace as an important tool in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and cleaning the air and water by absorbing pollutants and reducing runoff. • Dubuque County’s Community Health Needs Assessment and Health Improvement Plan (2023) identifies physical inactivity as a precursor to obesity, chronic heart disease, and diabetes. Comiskey Park improvements will provide a neighborhood space where residents can play outdoors and promotes active, healthy lifestyles. Advancement of Other Park or Outdoor Recreation Plans • The “Re-Imagine Comiskey” master planning process (2019-2021) gathered input from neighborhood residents and identified the proposed recreational improvements at the site. Phase 1 activities are already complete, creating a buzz around the city and increasing pride among North End and Washington neighborhood residents. This second phase of work will further transform Comiskey Park into a special place that provides the community with a connection to the outdoors as well as opportunities for physical activity and personal reflection. • Dubuque is currently embarking on a comprehensive parks master plan engagement and planning process that will lay the groundwork for the future of the city’s parks (2024). This effort will include an in-depth review of existing parks, highlight strategies for future investment, and outline potential projects over the next several years. The “Re-Imagine Comiskey” engagement and planning process is the model for this undertaking. Additional federal investment in Comiskey Park aligns with Dubuque’s goal to focus park resources in underserved neighborhoods. 9 | P a g e Planning Status, Milestones, and Readiness A master plan was developed for the proposed improvements at Comiskey Park, supported with a 2017 ORLP grant. In March 2024, the City will hire a consultant for final design and construction documents to be completed in 2024, ahead of grant agreement (with approval from Iowa Department of Natural Resources and NPS). Groundbreaking will occur in June 2026, within 1/2 year of award. The project will be complete in 1½ years opening to the public in July 2027. See Project Timeline for details. Non-Recreational Features within Project Boundary The City has fee title to the property. Comiskey Park has an existing Comiskey building. This building houses electrical panels and equipment that run outdoor amenities as well as outdoor restrooms. The indoor meeting room, restrooms, and a large outdoor shaded porch are used to support neighborhood meetings and events (e.g., National Night Out held in cooperation with the Police Department, North End Neighborhood Association and local businesses with booths featuring non-profits). No easements or leases exist on the site. There is water, sewer, electrical, fiber, and storm sewer utilities underground throughout Comiskey Park. Phase 1 and 2 Environmental Site Analysis was completed on 7 old house parcels located next to the large building to the east of the park. In November 2020 a comfort letter from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources was received regarding the planned recreational use of the 7 parcels. The letter outlined actions to be taken regarding shallow soil, deep soil, and groundwater. The basketball court constructed in Phase 1 was placed atop a small area of contamination with the appropriate approvals of all agencies. The remainder of the affected small area identified would be remediated during Phase 2 development. A similar process of capping the contaminated area with the remaining two basketball courts and walkways to be built will be followed in Phase 2. Project Team The City has a track record of successfully managing park projects. Park construction will be managed by the City’s Leisure Services Department. ORLP resources will be managed by Leisure Services Director Marie Ware and Park Division Manager Steve Fehsal. Ware managed the 2017 ORLP resources and has overseen numerous state and federal grants in her 38-year parks and recreation career. Ware will serve as the overall project manager and assure that the community engagement is incorporated at every step of the project implementation and will administer ORLP resources. Fehsal is responsible for the management and maintenance of various types of parkland, open space, shelters, structures, and equipment in Dubuque. Fehsal oversees the department’s operating budget and capital improvement projects (more than $8 million annually) and has a 27- year career in park maintenance. They will be assisted by Project and Facilities Manager Jared Charland, who will keep the community informed of progress throughout the project and manage day-to-day construction issues if the grant is received. All lessons learned in the 2017 ORLP grant will be used in the completion of this funding request. That experience has allowed Dubuque to develop a realistic implementation timeframe. 1 REIMAGINE COMISKEY PARK – PHASE 2 BUDGET NARRATIVE Cost Categories – Unit of Measure & # of Units Cost Per Unit Federal Share Match Share Total Cost If Pre- Agreement Cost - Dates Incurred $ subject to 25% budget cost restrictions 1. Administration and Legal expenses N/A N/A $0 2. Land, Structures, Rights-of-Way, Appraisals N/A N/A $0 3. Relocation Expenses and Payments N/A N/A $0 4. Architectural and Engineering Fees $0 $418,282 $418,282 • Design, engineering and environmental services, construction documents, bidding services, compliance activities which include NEPA and Section 108 including landscape architect as project prime consultant, plus civil engineer, electrical engineer, environmental consultant 1 consultant contract- Lump sum $418,282 $293,000 March 2024- November 2025 5. Other Architectural and Engineering Fees $0 $47,000 $47,000 • Expenses for additional management and construction services including: o City of Dubuque project management Approx. 246 hours $17,000 $17,000 o Construction surveying and staking 1 sub under contract in #4 above-Lump Sum $30,000 $7,000 May 2024- November 2025 6. Project Inspection Fees N/A N/A $0 7. Site Work $464,500 $604,821 $1,069,321 • Rough and Fine Grading • Subgrade Materials Installation • Topsoil • Concrete pathways & 2 basketball court • 53 car asphalt parking lot, curb, gutter, striping, lights, electrical, signage, decorative planting and 6 trees • Painting 2 basketball courts & play area • Retaining wall 4 acres 32,870 sq ft 1220 cu yd 30,752 sq ft Lump sum 9293 sq ft 175 face feet $20,000/acre $2/sq ft $70/cu yd $14/sq ft $297,325 $6/sq ft $50/ff 2 Cost Categories – Unit of Measure & # of Units Cost Per Unit Federal Share Match Share Total Cost If Pre- Agreement Cost - Dates Incurred $ subject to 25% budget cost restrictions • Site utilities-storm basin, piping, water services Lump sum $47,820 8. Demolition and Removal $35,000 $40,000 $75,000 • Demolition of existing features within the project boundary • Demolition subgrade materials handling and disposal of contaminated soils 1 sub under 1 construction contract-Lump sum $50,000 $25,000 9. Construction $1,000,000 $60,858 $1,060,858 • Existing tree Protection 17 $450 each • Trees • Seed lawn • Native plantings • Ornamental decorative plantings • Curb around planting beds 48 2.9 acres (13,975 sq yd) .41 acres (2001 sq yd) .36 acres (15,970 sq ft) 624 linear feet $1200 $10/sq yd $15/sq yd $20/sq ft $30/LF • Lighting and Electrical Service Installation Lump sum $15,000 • Installation of Fixtures, Furnishings and Equipment (price equal to #10 to install) Lump sum $495,030 10. Equipment $474,350 $0 $474,350 • Basketball hoops • Shade structures and structure lighting • Pedestrian lights • Basketball court lights • Park entry monument sign & lights • Seatwalls • Grills • Benches • Bike loops • Picnic tables • Drinking fountain with bottle filler 8 8 37 2 Lump sum 320 LF 7 18 18 12 1 $3,000 each 1 @ $25,750 & 7 @$15,750 $3500 each $18,500 each $6,750 $175/LF $300 each $1,750 each $250 each $3,250 each $8,000 each 11. Miscellaneous * $0 $267,630 $267,630 3 Cost Categories – Unit of Measure & # of Units Cost Per Unit Federal Share Match Share Total Cost If Pre- Agreement Cost - Dates Incurred $ subject to 25% budget cost restrictions • 10% Inflation Mark-Up (2 year) - Estimated by landscape architectural/design consultant with input from other professionals in #4 and reviewed by city staff $267,630 12. Contingencies ** $0 $535,259 $535,259 • 10% Construction Contingency - Estimated by landscape architectural/design consultant with input from other professionals in #4, reviewed by city staff and based upon phase 1 • 10% Architectural and Engineering Contingency - Estimated by landscape architectural/design consultant in #4, reviewed by city staff and based upon phase 1 $267,630 $267,629 13. Indirect Costs N/A N/A $0 GRAND TOTAL $1,973,850 $1,973,850 $3,947,700 $300,000 $17,000 #11 and #12 were determined by Abbie Moilien, licensed landscape architect and Vice President of Saiki Design. A letter is attached of explanation of these items. Saiki Design was the consultant of record for the 2017 ORLP grant for Phase 1 of Comiskey Park improvements. Saiki Design has been leading projects over 35 years. Matching Share Contributor Matching Share Contributors (Name and funding source): Match Amount/Value Type (cash, donated land, etc.) Is Match Secure or firmly committed. If committed, list date expected to be secured. City of Dubuque capital funding $1,697,000 Cash Yes, firmly committed in FY 26 capital budget City of Dubuque Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) $126,850 Cash Yes, currently in FY 24 budget City of Dubuque Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) $150,000 Cash Yes, secured currently in FY 25 budget GRAND TOTAL $1,973,850 4 Signed and dated matching letter from City of Dubuque stating our commitment of the contribution included in application packet. Dubuque will match ORLP dollars at a 1:1 cost share with cash. Matching dollars for the project will be provided solely by the City. Dubuque commits $1,947,700 in cash as its matching share. This local cash match will be allocated through the capital planning process as well as from City of Dubuque Community Development Block Grant funding. The capital projects list has shown the $1,697,000 slated in FY 26 for Comiskey Park starting in the FY 24-28 capital plan and is committed to continue in FY 26 thus will be available as outlined in the timeline for construction beginning June of 2026. Currently there is Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding in FY 24 of $126,850 and was slated for planning. FY 25 CDBG funding in the amount of $150,000 is available for this project. It is requested to pre -spend the FY 24 and FY25 CDBG funding for design and construction plans beginning in March of 2024. CDBG is eligible to match ORLP funding. Knowledge of Consultants in Preparing Cost Estimates The total budget for the Comiskey Park project is $3,947,000. Abbie Moilien, Vice President of Saiki Design, and a landscape architect was the lead on Phase 1 and will continue with the Phase 2 project. The subconsultant team of civil engineering, electrical engineering, e nvironmental consultants they assembled will be the team continuing with Phase 2. Their expertise and in-depth knowledge of Comiskey built in Phase 1 in addition to other projects throughout the Midwest region have been used throughout the following budget narrative. This total cost estimate as well as the breakdowns are based on budgets prepared by consultants, the costs of similar projects, in-house design experts, as well as guidance from recreation experts. This team also provides continuity of design through construction for Phase 2. In-kind Soil Donation Provided Outside the Reimagine Comiskey Park Redevelopment Phase 1 and Proposed Phase 2 Activities The City of Dubuque stockpiled soil from a creek restoration project on a development site. The site was sold to Simmons Pet Food. The City requested if Simmons had no use for the soil that we would be allowed to truck it to Comiskey for use in the redev elopment project. This happened prior to Comiskey Park phase 1. Part of the soil was used in phase one and the remainder will be used in phase 2 project. This in-kind is not documented in phase 2 but noted here as a resource on site that will be used and documents its history. Soil pile can be seen in application photos. 5 March 1, 2024 Transmitted Via Email Marie Ware – City of Dubuque Leisure Services Manager Re: Comiskey Park Grant Application Contingencies Dear Marie, The design and construction of phase two of Comiskey Park will be vital to ensuring its long-term success and sustainability. We have carefully considered and included contingencies for inflation, design, and construction in our cost estimate to mitigate potential challenges that may arise during the design and implementation phase. Inflation Contingencies (Section 11, Miscellaneous): Inflationary pressures can have a significant impact on project costs over time, particularly in the construction industry where material and labor expenses are subject to fluctuations. We witnessed this firsthand during the design and construction of the first phase of Comiskey Park. The project schedule suggests this phase would be built out in 2-3 years. To account for potential inflationary effects, we have included a 10% inflation contingency in our budget calculations. Design Contingencies (Section 12, Contingencies): The master plan for Comiskey Park has been crafted to reflect the diverse needs and preferences of the community; however, we acknowledge that design modifications will be necessary as the design is refined to a biddable level. We’ll also need to accommodate changing requirements or feedback from stakeholders. We have incorporated a 10% design contingency into our budget to accommodate any revisions or enhancements during the planning and implementation stages. Construction Contingencies (Section 12, Contingencies): We recognize that unforeseen circumstances such as inclement weather, supply chain disruptions, or regulatory delays can impact the construction timeline and budget. To address these risks, we have allocated a 10% construction contingency fund within the project budget to cover additional costs that may arise due to such factors. The contingencies outlined demonstrate our commitment to responsible project management and our dedication to delivering a successful project outcome. We are confident we can finish bringing this vision to life, creating a vibrant community asset that will enrich the lives of generations to come. Sincerely, Abbie Moilien, Professional Landscape Architect, IA 00697, WI 673-14, IL 157.001619 Saiki Design, Inc. PROJECT TIMELINE A master plan was developed with a high level of neighborhood involvement and approved for the proposed improvements at Comiskey Park, supported with a 2017 ORLP grant. The Master Plan is complete and was approved by the City Council in 2021. The Master Plan shows Phase 2 improvements included in this ORLP grant request. Final design and construction documents will be completed in December of 2024, ahead of grant agreement (with approval from Iowa Department of Natural Resources and NPS). This would allow a quick transition from design to completing environmental and cultural review and approval. Certain reviews require 100% construction design to fill out the necessary paperwork or answer concerns of the agencies, if any. This would quickly be followed by all necessary permits. Certain permits would be worked on during the environmental and cultural review. Groundbreaking will occur in June 2026, within 1/2 year of award. The project will be complete in 1½ years. Dubuque anticipates that Comiskey Park improvements will be open to the public in July 2027. See key project milestones below: • Reimagine Comiskey Master Plan Developed and Approved: 2021 • Design and Construction Plans Begin After Design and Construction Management Consultant Contract Executed: March 2024 (pre-agreement) • Design and Construction Plans 75% Complete: November 2024 (pre-agreement) • Project Selection by NPS: November 2024 • City Design Reviews and Approvals: November-December 2024 (pre-agreement) • Final Design and Construction Plans 100% Complete: December 2024 (pre-agreement) • Environmental/Cultural Resource Review: January – June 2025 (pre-agreement) • Required Permitting: July-August 2025 (pre-agreement) • Full Application Submittal: September 2025 o Note: This date move up if environmental/cultural resource reviews and permitting completes earlier. Dates are based on having to reapply with specifics of this phase 2 project. The 2017 ORLP grant provided familiarity of reviews and permitting agencies with the project area of Comiskey Park. • Award Date by NPS: November 2025 • NPS/Iowa Department of Natural Resources Grant Agreement Executed by City: February 2026 (month 1) o Anticipated Term of Agreement: February 1, 2026-February 28, 2028 o Note: Any delay in grant agreement changes the bidding and construction schedule. • Bidding of Project Construction and Contract Execution: March-May 2026 (month 2-4) • NPS Yearly Report Filed: March 2027 • Construction: June 2026-June 2027 (month 5-17) • Open to Public: July 2027 (month 18) • Closeout of Project and NPS Final Report: August – October 2027 The Notice of Use Restriction has already been recorded for Comiskey Park for the entire project area of this 2024 ORLP grant application. This was completed at the close out of the Comiskey Park 2017 ORLP grant. ProjectImagesWorksheet Toaddphotographs,simplyclickonthespaceforeachimageandselectthephototoattachfromyourfiles.Allphotosmusthave acaptionandphotocredit.Photosshouldbeofgoodquality.Allapplicationmaterials,includingphotographs,becometheproperty oftheNationalParkServiceandmaybereproducedbyNPSoritspartnerorganizationswithoutpermission;appropriatecreditwill begivenforanysuchuse. §Pleaseensureyouincludeonecurrentphotoperelevationaswellasonecurrentoverallphotoataminimum. §Photosshouldshowcurrentconditionsandimmediatethreat.Includephotosshowingrepresentativeexamplesofdamaged resources §Colororblackandwhitephotosarebothaccepted §Photographsshouldbeofthecommunityandthehistoricsite,museumproperty,downtown,orsignificantresourceinvolvedin theproject. Caption:Image1 DateTaken Credit 2017 ORLP grant phase one - opening day. June 29, 2023. Improvements included splash pad, inclusive playground, basketball court, shade structures, seating, landscaping and trees. 6/29/23 Elevated Images Caption:Image3 Caption:Image2 DateTaken DateTaken Credit Credit Top left corner will be location of parking lot. The proposed basketball courts go to the left of current and at dirt pile shown at bottom of the photo to left of the tree. Current parking lot removed for picnic area and landscaping. The new entry added top left at intersection. The basketball court, skate spot and tennis court removed. Trees would be added and large multi-purpose play area created. Walks extended and native along right side of park. 9/4/23 9/4/23 Engineering Dept - Troy Kress Engineering Dept - Troy Kress Caption:Image4 Caption:Image5 DateTaken DateTaken Credit Credit Corner of Jackson Street and 25th. New entry with fence opening and accessible entrance created. Streets will be tree lined and multi-purpose playing field created after removal of basketball and skate spot seen in photo. Skate spot at end of life to be removed. Basketball to right and tennis court to the left will be removed. Large tree to right will be removed as is in the multi-purpose playing field. 2/20/24 2/20/24 Leisure Services - Marie Ware Leisure Services Marie Ware Caption:Image6 Caption:Image7 DateTaken DateTaken Credit Credit Large trees remain with two walkways incorporated in this shady area. Three shade structures will be added in this area and native seeding will be added to the left side park boundary. Dirt pile used during regrading. Current native planted stormwater managment area that will be duplicated in Phase 2 near one of new added basketball courts. 2/20/24 2/20/24 Leisure Services - Marie Ware Leisure Services - Marie Ware Caption:Image8 Caption:Image9 DateTaken DateTaken Credit Credit Decorative plantings will surround Comiskey building on three sides. This parking lot will be transformed into a picnic area with native plantings, shade structures, picnic tables, benches and seat walls. View from current playground looking out to what will be the multi-purpose play field. The shade structures proposed in the grant will be same type and style of the current ones added in Phase 1. 2/20/24 2/20/24 Leisure Services - Marie Ware Leisure Services - Marie Ware Caption:Image10 Caption:Image11 DateTaken DateTaken Credit Credit Hip Hop PARKitecture. They dreamed soccer and more basketball courts with color. Kickoff engagement meeting - what you like and don't about Comiskey, brag, worry, what is your dream and engagement boards selecting images of what would like included in the park that they selected from. 2/8/20 1/9/20 Leisure Services - Marie Ware Leisure Services - Marie Ware Caption:Image12Caption:Image13DateTakenDateTakenCreditCreditConcept Plan was shared. Everyone added dots of green where they liked and red where they did not on the concepts. Lots of discussion was held right at the boards with people sharing their perspectives with their neighbors and friends.Groups discussed the 2 concept plans reported out to all present. The question was what you liked best and did not like about each of the two designs presented. Individually each person gave input on if you had $5 to spend on park features which park feature would you spend it all or divide it among features. Photos of splash park and playground designs were shared and they picked out the design look that they desired. 3/9/20Leisure Services - Marie Ware3/9/20Leisure Services - Marie Ware DNR Form 542-0327 Minority Impact Statement Pursuant to 2008 Iowa Acts, HF 2393, Iowa Code Section 8.11, all grant applications submitted to the State of Iowa which are due beginning January 1, 2009 shall include a Minority Impact Statement. This is the state’s mechanism to require grant applicants to consider the potential impact of the grant project’s proposed programs or policies on minority groups. Please choose the statement(s) that pertains to this grant application. Complete all the information requested for the chosen statement(s). The proposed grant project programs or policies could have a disproportionate or unique positive impact on minority persons. Describe the positive impact expected from this project Indicate which group is impacted: Women Persons with a Disability Blacks Latinos Asians Pacific Islanders American Indians Alaskan Native Americans Other The proposed grant project programs or policies could have a disproportionate or unique negative impact on minority persons. Describe the negative impact expected from this project Present the rationale for the existence of the proposed program or policy. Provide evidence of consultation of representatives of the minority groups impacted. Indicate which group is impacted: Women Persons with a Disability Blacks Latinos Asians Pacific Islanders American Indians Alaskan Native Americans Other The proposed grant project programs or policies are not expected to have a disproportionate or unique impact on minority persons. Present the rationale for determining no impact. I hereby certify that the information on this form is complete and accurate, to the best of my knowledge: Name: Title: 2/23/24, 3:03 PM IPaC: Explore Location resources https://ipac.ecosphere.fws.gov/location/C7B2BTIJW5HJHLOPJNBMBQHLDQ/resources 1/17 IPaC resource list This report is an automatically generated list of species and other resources such as critical habitat (collectively referred to as trust resources) under the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's (USFWS) jurisdiction that are known or expected to be on or near the project area referenced below. The list may also include trust resources that occur outside of the project area, but that could potentially be directly or indirectly aected by activities in the project area. However, determining the likelihood and extent of eects a project may have on trust resources typically requires gathering additional site-specic (e.g., vegetation/species surveys) and project-specic (e.g., magnitude and timing of proposed activities) information. Below is a summary of the project information you provided and contact information for the USFWS oce(s) with jurisdiction in the dened project area. Please read the introduction to each section that follows (Endangered Species, Migratory Birds, USFWS Facilities, and NWI Wetlands) for additional information applicable to the trust resources addressed in that section. Location Dubuque County, Iowa Local oce Illinois-Iowa Ecological Services Field Oce  (309) 757-5800  (309) 757-5807 U.S. Fish & Wildlife ServiceIPaC 2/23/24, 3:03 PM IPaC: Explore Location resources https://ipac.ecosphere.fws.gov/location/C7B2BTIJW5HJHLOPJNBMBQHLDQ/resources 2/17 Illinois & Iowa Ecological Services Field Oce 1511 47th Ave Moline, IL 61265-7022 2/23/24, 3:03 PM IPaC: Explore Location resources https://ipac.ecosphere.fws.gov/location/C7B2BTIJW5HJHLOPJNBMBQHLDQ/resources 3/17 Endangered species This resource list is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an analysis of project level impacts. The primary information used to generate this list is the known or expected range of each species. Additional areas of inuence (AOI) for species are also considered. An AOI includes areas outside of the species range if the species could be indirectly aected by activities in that area (e.g., placing a dam upstream of a sh population even if that sh does not occur at the dam site, may indirectly impact the species by reducing or eliminating water ow downstream). Because species can move, and site conditions can change, the species on this list are not guaranteed to be found on or near the project area. To fully determine any potential eects to species, additional site-specic and project-specic information is often required. Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act requires Federal agencies to "request of the Secretary information whether any species which is listed or proposed to be listed may be present in the area of such proposed action" for any project that is conducted, permitted, funded, or licensed by any Federal agency. A letter from the local oce and a species list which fullls this requirement can only be obtained by requesting an ocial species list from either the Regulatory Review section in IPaC (see directions below) or from the local eld oce directly. For project evaluations that require USFWS concurrence/review, please return to the IPaC website and request an ocial species list by doing the following: 1. Draw the project location and click CONTINUE. 2. Click DEFINE PROJECT. 3. Log in (if directed to do so). 4. Provide a name and description for your project. 5. Click REQUEST SPECIES LIST. Listed species and their critical habitats are managed by the Ecological Services Program of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and the sheries division of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA Fisheries ). Species and critical habitats under the sole responsibility of NOAA Fisheries are not shown on this list. Please contact NOAA Fisheries for species under their jurisdiction. 1. Species listed under the Endangered Species Act are threatened or endangered; IPaC also shows species that are candidates, or proposed, for listing. See the listing status page for more information. IPaC only shows species that are regulated by USFWS (see FAQ). 1 2 2/23/24, 3:03 PM IPaC: Explore Location resources https://ipac.ecosphere.fws.gov/location/C7B2BTIJW5HJHLOPJNBMBQHLDQ/resources 4/17 2. NOAA Fisheries, also known as the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), is an oce of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration within the Department of Commerce. The following species are potentially aected by activities in this location: Mammals Birds Clams Insects NAME STATUS Northern Long-eared Bat Myotis septentrionalis Wherever found No critical habitat has been designated for this species. https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/9045 Endangered Tricolored Bat Perimyotis subavus Wherever found No critical habitat has been designated for this species. https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/10515 Proposed Endangered NAME STATUS Whooping Crane Grus americana No critical habitat has been designated for this species. https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/758 EXPN NAME STATUS Higgins Eye (pearlymussel) Lampsilis higginsii Wherever found No critical habitat has been designated for this species. https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/5428 Endangered Sheepnose Mussel Plethobasus cyphyus Wherever found No critical habitat has been designated for this species. https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/6903 Endangered NAME STATUS 2/23/24, 3:03 PM IPaC: Explore Location resources https://ipac.ecosphere.fws.gov/location/C7B2BTIJW5HJHLOPJNBMBQHLDQ/resources 5/17 Flowering Plants Critical habitats Potential eects to critical habitat(s) in this location must be analyzed along with the endangered species themselves. There are no critical habitats at this location. You are still required to determine if your project(s) may have eects on all above listed species. Bald & Golden Eagles Monarch Buttery Danaus plexippus Wherever found No critical habitat has been designated for this species. https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/9743 Candidate NAME STATUS Eastern Prairie Fringed Orchid Platanthera leucophaea Wherever found No critical habitat has been designated for this species. https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/601 Threatened Bald and golden eagles are protected under the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act . Any person or organization who plans or conducts activities that may result in impacts to bald or golden eagles, or their habitats , should follow appropriate regulations and consider implementing appropriate conservation measures, as described in the links below. Specically, please review the "Supplemental Information on Migratory Birds and Eagles". Additional information can be found using the following links: Eagle Management https://www.fws.gov/program/eagle-management Measures for avoiding and minimizing impacts to birds https://www.fws.gov/library/collections/avoiding-and-minimizing-incidental-take- migratory-birds 1 2 3 2/23/24, 3:03 PM IPaC: Explore Location resources https://ipac.ecosphere.fws.gov/location/C7B2BTIJW5HJHLOPJNBMBQHLDQ/resources 6/17 There are likely bald eagles present in your project area. For additional information on bald eagles, refer to Bald Eagle Nesting and Sensitivity to Human Activity For guidance on when to schedule activities or implement avoidance and minimization measures to reduce impacts to migratory birds on your list, see the PROBABILITY OF PRESENCE SUMMARY below to see when these birds are most likely to be present and breeding in your project area. BREEDING SEASON Probability of Presence Summary The graphs below provide our best understanding of when birds of concern are most likely to be present in your project area. This information can be used to tailor and schedule your project activities to avoid or minimize impacts to birds. Please make sure you read "Supplemental Information on Migratory Birds and Eagles", specically the FAQ section titled "Proper Interpretation and Use of Your Migratory Bird Report" before using or attempting to interpret this report. Probability of Presence () Each green bar represents the bird's relative probability of presence in the 10km grid cell(s) your project overlaps during a particular week of the year. (A year is represented as 12 4- week months.) A taller bar indicates a higher probability of species presence. The survey Nationwide conservation measures for birds https://www.fws.gov/sites/default/les/documents/nationwide-standard-conservation- measures.pdf Supplemental Information for Migratory Birds and Eagles in IPaC https://www.fws.gov/media/supplemental-information-migratory-birds-and-bald-and- golden-eagles-may-occur-project-action NAME Bald Eagle Haliaeetus leucocephalus This is not a Bird of Conservation Concern (BCC) in this area, but warrants attention because of the Eagle Act or for potential susceptibilities in oshore areas from certain types of development or activities. Breeds Dec 1 to Aug 31 Golden Eagle Aquila chrysaetos This is not a Bird of Conservation Concern (BCC) in this area, but warrants attention because of the Eagle Act or for potential susceptibilities in oshore areas from certain types of development or activities. https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/1680 Breeds elsewhere 2/23/24, 3:03 PM IPaC: Explore Location resources https://ipac.ecosphere.fws.gov/location/C7B2BTIJW5HJHLOPJNBMBQHLDQ/resources 7/17 no data survey eort breeding season probability of presence eort (see below) can be used to establish a level of condence in the presence score. One can have higher condence in the presence score if the corresponding survey eort is also high. How is the probability of presence score calculated? The calculation is done in three steps: 1. The probability of presence for each week is calculated as the number of survey events in the week where the species was detected divided by the total number of survey events for that week. For example, if in week 12 there were 20 survey events and the Spotted Towhee was found in 5 of them, the probability of presence of the Spotted Towhee in week 12 is 0.25. 2. To properly present the pattern of presence across the year, the relative probability of presence is calculated. This is the probability of presence divided by the maximum probability of presence across all weeks. For example, imagine the probability of presence in week 20 for the Spotted Towhee is 0.05, and that the probability of presence at week 12 (0.25) is the maximum of any week of the year. The relative probability of presence on week 12 is 0.25/0.25 = 1; at week 20 it is 0.05/0.25 = 0.2. 3. The relative probability of presence calculated in the previous step undergoes a statistical conversion so that all possible values fall between 0 and 10, inclusive. This is the probability of presence score. To see a bar's probability of presence score, simply hover your mouse cursor over the bar. Breeding Season () Yellow bars denote a very liberal estimate of the time-frame inside which the bird breeds across its entire range. If there are no yellow bars shown for a bird, it does not breed in your project area. Survey Eort () Vertical black lines superimposed on probability of presence bars indicate the number of surveys performed for that species in the 10km grid cell(s) your project area overlaps. The number of surveys is expressed as a range, for example, 33 to 64 surveys. To see a bar's survey eort range, simply hover your mouse cursor over the bar. No Data () A week is marked as having no data if there were no survey events for that week. Survey Timeframe Surveys from only the last 10 years are used in order to ensure delivery of currently relevant information. The exception to this is areas o the Atlantic coast, where bird returns are based on all years of available data, since data in these areas is currently much more sparse. SPECIES JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC 2/23/24, 3:03 PM IPaC: Explore Location resources https://ipac.ecosphere.fws.gov/location/C7B2BTIJW5HJHLOPJNBMBQHLDQ/resources 8/17 Bald Eagle Non-BCC Vulnerable Golden Eagle Non-BCC Vulnerable What does IPaC use to generate the potential presence of bald and golden eagles in my specied location? The potential for eagle presence is derived from data provided by the Avian Knowledge Network (AKN). The AKN data is based on a growing collection of survey, banding, and citizen science datasets and is queried and ltered to return a list of those birds reported as occurring in the 10km grid cell(s) which your project intersects, and that have been identied as warranting special attention because they are a BCC species in that area, an eagle (Eagle Act requirements may apply). To see a list of all birds potentially present in your project area, please visit the Rapid Avian Information Locator (RAIL) Tool. What does IPaC use to generate the probability of presence graphs of bald and golden eagles in my specied location? The Migratory Bird Resource List is comprised of USFWS Birds of Conservation Concern (BCC)and other species that may warrant special attention in your project location. The migratory bird list generated for your project is derived from data provided by the Avian Knowledge Network (AKN). The AKN data is based on a growing collection of survey, banding, and citizen science datasets and is queried and ltered to return a list of those birds reported as occurring in the 10km grid cell(s) which your project intersects, and that have been identied as warranting special attention because they are a BCC species in that area, an eagle (Eagle Act requirements may apply), or a species that has a particular vulnerability to oshore activities or development. Again, the Migratory Bird Resource list includes only a subset of birds that may occur in your project area. It is not representative of all birds that may occur in your project area. To get a list of all birds potentially present in your project area, please visit the Rapid Avian Information Locator (RAIL) Tool. What if I have eagles on my list? If your project has the potential to disturb or kill eagles, you may need to obtain a permit to avoid violating the Eagle Act should such impacts occur. Please contact your local Fish and Wildlife Service Field Oce if you have questions. Migratory birds Certain birds are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act . 1 2 2/23/24, 3:03 PM IPaC: Explore Location resources https://ipac.ecosphere.fws.gov/location/C7B2BTIJW5HJHLOPJNBMBQHLDQ/resources 9/17 The birds listed below are birds of particular concern either because they occur on the USFWS Birds of Conservation Concern (BCC) list or warrant special attention in your project location. To learn more about the levels of concern for birds on your list and how this list is generated, see the FAQ below. This is not a list of every bird you may nd in this location, nor a guarantee that every bird on this list will be found in your project area. To see exact locations of where birders and the general public have sighted birds in and around your project area, visit the E-bird data mapping tool (Tip: enter your location, desired date range and a species on your list). For projects that occur o the Atlantic Coast, additional maps and models detailing the relative occurrence and abundance of bird species on your list are available. Links to additional information about Atlantic Coast birds, and other important information about your migratory bird list, including how to properly interpret and use your migratory bird report, can be found below. For guidance on when to schedule activities or implement avoidance and minimization measures to reduce impacts to migratory birds on your list, see the PROBABILITY OF PRESENCE SUMMARY below to see when these birds are most likely to be present and breeding in your project area. BREEDING SEASON Any person or organization who plans or conducts activities that may result in impacts to migratory birds, eagles, and their habitats should follow appropriate regulations and consider implementing appropriate conservation measures, as described in the links below. Specically, please review the "Supplemental Information on Migratory Birds and Eagles". 1. The Migratory Birds Treaty Act of 1918. 2. The Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act of 1940. Additional information can be found using the following links: Eagle Management https://www.fws.gov/program/eagle-management Measures for avoiding and minimizing impacts to birds https://www.fws.gov/library/collections/avoiding-and-minimizing-incidental-take- migratory-birds Nationwide conservation measures for birds https://www.fws.gov/sites/default/les/ documents/nationwide-standard-conservation-measures.pdf Supplemental Information for Migratory Birds and Eagles in IPaC https://www.fws.gov/media/supplemental-information-migratory-birds-and-bald-and- golden-eagles-may-occur-project-action 3 NAME Bald Eagle Haliaeetus leucocephalus This is not a Bird of Conservation Concern (BCC) in this area, but warrants attention because of the Eagle Act or for potential susceptibilities in oshore areas from certain types of development or activities. Breeds Dec 1 to Aug 31 2/23/24, 3:03 PM IPaC: Explore Location resources https://ipac.ecosphere.fws.gov/location/C7B2BTIJW5HJHLOPJNBMBQHLDQ/resources 10/17 Black-billed Cuckoo Coccyzus erythropthalmus This is a Bird of Conservation Concern (BCC) throughout its range in the continental USA and Alaska. https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/9399 Breeds May 15 to Oct 10 Bobolink Dolichonyx oryzivorus This is a Bird of Conservation Concern (BCC) throughout its range in the continental USA and Alaska. Breeds May 20 to Jul 31 Canada Warbler Cardellina canadensis This is a Bird of Conservation Concern (BCC) throughout its range in the continental USA and Alaska. Breeds May 20 to Aug 10 Cerulean Warbler Dendroica cerulea This is a Bird of Conservation Concern (BCC) throughout its range in the continental USA and Alaska. https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/2974 Breeds Apr 22 to Jul 20 Chimney Swift Chaetura pelagica This is a Bird of Conservation Concern (BCC) throughout its range in the continental USA and Alaska. Breeds Mar 15 to Aug 25 Golden Eagle Aquila chrysaetos This is not a Bird of Conservation Concern (BCC) in this area, but warrants attention because of the Eagle Act or for potential susceptibilities in oshore areas from certain types of development or activities. https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/1680 Breeds elsewhere Golden-winged Warbler Vermivora chrysoptera This is a Bird of Conservation Concern (BCC) throughout its range in the continental USA and Alaska. https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/8745 Breeds May 1 to Jul 20 Henslow's Sparrow Ammodramus henslowii This is a Bird of Conservation Concern (BCC) throughout its range in the continental USA and Alaska. https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/3941 Breeds May 1 to Aug 31 2/23/24, 3:03 PM IPaC: Explore Location resources https://ipac.ecosphere.fws.gov/location/C7B2BTIJW5HJHLOPJNBMBQHLDQ/resources 11/17 Probability of Presence Summary The graphs below provide our best understanding of when birds of concern are most likely to be present in your project area. This information can be used to tailor and schedule your project activities to avoid or minimize impacts to birds. Please make sure you read "Supplemental Information on Migratory Birds and Eagles", specically the FAQ section titled "Proper Interpretation and Use of Your Migratory Bird Report" before using or attempting to interpret this report. Probability of Presence () Lesser Yellowlegs Tringa avipes This is a Bird of Conservation Concern (BCC) throughout its range in the continental USA and Alaska. https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/9679 Breeds elsewhere Long-eared Owl asio otus This is a Bird of Conservation Concern (BCC) throughout its range in the continental USA and Alaska. https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/3631 Breeds Mar 1 to Jul 15 Pectoral Sandpiper Calidris melanotos This is a Bird of Conservation Concern (BCC) throughout its range in the continental USA and Alaska. Breeds elsewhere Red-headed Woodpecker Melanerpes erythrocephalus This is a Bird of Conservation Concern (BCC) throughout its range in the continental USA and Alaska. Breeds May 10 to Sep 10 Rusty Blackbird Euphagus carolinus This is a Bird of Conservation Concern (BCC) only in particular Bird Conservation Regions (BCRs) in the continental USA Breeds elsewhere Short-billed Dowitcher Limnodromus griseus This is a Bird of Conservation Concern (BCC) throughout its range in the continental USA and Alaska. https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/9480 Breeds elsewhere Wood Thrush Hylocichla mustelina This is a Bird of Conservation Concern (BCC) throughout its range in the continental USA and Alaska. Breeds May 10 to Aug 31 2/23/24, 3:03 PM IPaC: Explore Location resources https://ipac.ecosphere.fws.gov/location/C7B2BTIJW5HJHLOPJNBMBQHLDQ/resources 12/17 no data survey eort breeding season probability of presence Each green bar represents the bird's relative probability of presence in the 10km grid cell(s) your project overlaps during a particular week of the year. (A year is represented as 12 4- week months.) A taller bar indicates a higher probability of species presence. The survey eort (see below) can be used to establish a level of condence in the presence score. One can have higher condence in the presence score if the corresponding survey eort is also high. How is the probability of presence score calculated? The calculation is done in three steps: 1. The probability of presence for each week is calculated as the number of survey events in the week where the species was detected divided by the total number of survey events for that week. For example, if in week 12 there were 20 survey events and the Spotted Towhee was found in 5 of them, the probability of presence of the Spotted Towhee in week 12 is 0.25. 2. To properly present the pattern of presence across the year, the relative probability of presence is calculated. This is the probability of presence divided by the maximum probability of presence across all weeks. For example, imagine the probability of presence in week 20 for the Spotted Towhee is 0.05, and that the probability of presence at week 12 (0.25) is the maximum of any week of the year. The relative probability of presence on week 12 is 0.25/0.25 = 1; at week 20 it is 0.05/0.25 = 0.2. 3. The relative probability of presence calculated in the previous step undergoes a statistical conversion so that all possible values fall between 0 and 10, inclusive. This is the probability of presence score. To see a bar's probability of presence score, simply hover your mouse cursor over the bar. Breeding Season () Yellow bars denote a very liberal estimate of the time-frame inside which the bird breeds across its entire range. If there are no yellow bars shown for a bird, it does not breed in your project area. Survey Eort () Vertical black lines superimposed on probability of presence bars indicate the number of surveys performed for that species in the 10km grid cell(s) your project area overlaps. The number of surveys is expressed as a range, for example, 33 to 64 surveys. To see a bar's survey eort range, simply hover your mouse cursor over the bar. No Data () A week is marked as having no data if there were no survey events for that week. Survey Timeframe Surveys from only the last 10 years are used in order to ensure delivery of currently relevant information. The exception to this is areas o the Atlantic coast, where bird returns are based on all years of available data, since data in these areas is currently much more sparse. 2/23/24, 3:03 PM IPaC: Explore Location resources https://ipac.ecosphere.fws.gov/location/C7B2BTIJW5HJHLOPJNBMBQHLDQ/resources 13/17 SPECIES JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC Bald Eagle Non-BCC Vulnerable Black-billed Cuckoo BCC Rangewide (CON) Bobolink BCC Rangewide (CON) Canada Warbler BCC Rangewide (CON) Cerulean Warbler BCC Rangewide (CON) Chimney Swift BCC Rangewide (CON) Golden Eagle Non-BCC Vulnerable Golden-winged Warbler BCC Rangewide (CON) Henslow's Sparrow BCC Rangewide (CON) Lesser Yellowlegs BCC Rangewide (CON) Long-eared Owl BCC Rangewide (CON) Pectoral Sandpiper BCC Rangewide (CON) SPECIES JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC 2/23/24, 3:03 PM IPaC: Explore Location resources https://ipac.ecosphere.fws.gov/location/C7B2BTIJW5HJHLOPJNBMBQHLDQ/resources 14/17 Red-headed Woodpecker BCC Rangewide (CON) Rusty Blackbird BCC - BCR Short-billed Dowitcher BCC Rangewide (CON) Wood Thrush BCC Rangewide (CON) Tell me more about conservation measures I can implement to avoid or minimize impacts to migratory birds. Nationwide Conservation Measures describes measures that can help avoid and minimize impacts to all birds at any location year round. Implementation of these measures is particularly important when birds are most likely to occur in the project area. When birds may be breeding in the area, identifying the locations of any active nests and avoiding their destruction is a very helpful impact minimization measure. To see when birds are most likely to occur and be breeding in your project area, view the Probability of Presence Summary. Additional measures or permits may be advisable depending on the type of activity you are conducting and the type of infrastructure or bird species present on your project site. What does IPaC use to generate the list of migratory birds that potentially occur in my specied location? The Migratory Bird Resource List is comprised of USFWS Birds of Conservation Concern (BCC)and other species that may warrant special attention in your project location. The migratory bird list generated for your project is derived from data provided by the Avian Knowledge Network (AKN). The AKN data is based on a growing collection of survey, banding, and citizen science datasets and is queried and ltered to return a list of those birds reported as occurring in the 10km grid cell(s) which your project intersects, and that have been identied as warranting special attention because they are a BCC species in that area, an eagle (Eagle Act requirements may apply), or a species that has a particular vulnerability to oshore activities or development. Again, the Migratory Bird Resource list includes only a subset of birds that may occur in your project area. It is not representative of all birds that may occur in your project area. To get a list of all birds potentially present in your project area, please visit the Rapid Avian Information Locator (RAIL) Tool. What does IPaC use to generate the probability of presence graphs for the migratory birds potentially occurring in my specied location? The probability of presence graphs associated with your migratory bird list are based on data provided by the Avian Knowledge Network (AKN). This data is derived from a growing collection of survey, banding, and citizen science datasets. 2/23/24, 3:03 PM IPaC: Explore Location resources https://ipac.ecosphere.fws.gov/location/C7B2BTIJW5HJHLOPJNBMBQHLDQ/resources 15/17 Probability of presence data is continuously being updated as new and better information becomes available. To learn more about how the probability of presence graphs are produced and how to interpret them, go the Probability of Presence Summary and then click on the "Tell me about these graphs" link. How do I know if a bird is breeding, wintering or migrating in my area? To see what part of a particular bird's range your project area falls within (i.e. breeding, wintering, migrating or year-round), you may query your location using the RAIL Tool and look at the range maps provided for birds in your area at the bottom of the proles provided for each bird in your results. If a bird on your migratory bird species list has a breeding season associated with it, if that bird does occur in your project area, there may be nests present at some point within the timeframe specied. If "Breeds elsewhere" is indicated, then the bird likely does not breed in your project area. What are the levels of concern for migratory birds? Migratory birds delivered through IPaC fall into the following distinct categories of concern: 1. "BCC Rangewide" birds are Birds of Conservation Concern (BCC) that are of concern throughout their range anywhere within the USA (including Hawaii, the Pacic Islands, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands); 2. "BCC - BCR" birds are BCCs that are of concern only in particular Bird Conservation Regions (BCRs) in the continental USA; and 3. "Non-BCC - Vulnerable" birds are not BCC species in your project area, but appear on your list either because of the Eagle Act requirements (for eagles) or (for non-eagles) potential susceptibilities in oshore areas from certain types of development or activities (e.g. oshore energy development or longline shing). Although it is important to try to avoid and minimize impacts to all birds, eorts should be made, in particular, to avoid and minimize impacts to the birds on this list, especially eagles and BCC species of rangewide concern. For more information on conservation measures you can implement to help avoid and minimize migratory bird impacts and requirements for eagles, please see the FAQs for these topics. Details about birds that are potentially aected by oshore projects For additional details about the relative occurrence and abundance of both individual bird species and groups of bird species within your project area o the Atlantic Coast, please visit the Northeast Ocean Data Portal. The Portal also oers data and information about other taxa besides birds that may be helpful to you in your project review. Alternately, you may download the bird model results les underlying the portal maps through the NOAA NCCOS Integrative Statistical Modeling and Predictive Mapping of Marine Bird Distributions and Abundance on the Atlantic Outer Continental Shelf project webpage. Bird tracking data can also provide additional details about occurrence and habitat use throughout the year, including migration. Models relying on survey data may not include this information. For additional information on marine bird tracking data, see the Diving Bird Study and the nanotag studies or contact Caleb Spiegel or Pam Loring. What if I have eagles on my list? If your project has the potential to disturb or kill eagles, you may need to obtain a permit to avoid violating the Eagle Act should such impacts occur. 2/23/24, 3:03 PM IPaC: Explore Location resources https://ipac.ecosphere.fws.gov/location/C7B2BTIJW5HJHLOPJNBMBQHLDQ/resources 16/17 Proper Interpretation and Use of Your Migratory Bird Report The migratory bird list generated is not a list of all birds in your project area, only a subset of birds of priority concern. To learn more about how your list is generated, and see options for identifying what other birds may be in your project area, please see the FAQ "What does IPaC use to generate the migratory birds potentially occurring in my specied location". Please be aware this report provides the "probability of presence" of birds within the 10 km grid cell(s) that overlap your project; not your exact project footprint. On the graphs provided, please also look carefully at the survey eort (indicated by the black vertical bar) and for the existence of the "no data" indicator (a red horizontal bar). A high survey eort is the key component. If the survey eort is high, then the probability of presence score can be viewed as more dependable. In contrast, a low survey eort bar or no data bar means a lack of data and, therefore, a lack of certainty about presence of the species. This list is not perfect; it is simply a starting point for identifying what birds of concern have the potential to be in your project area, when they might be there, and if they might be breeding (which means nests might be present). The list helps you know what to look for to conrm presence, and helps guide you in knowing when to implement conservation measures to avoid or minimize potential impacts from your project activities, should presence be conrmed. To learn more about conservation measures, visit the FAQ "Tell me about conservation measures I can implement to avoid or minimize impacts to migratory birds" at the bottom of your migratory bird trust resources page. Facilities National Wildlife Refuge lands Any activity proposed on lands managed by the National Wildlife Refuge system must undergo a 'Compatibility Determination' conducted by the Refuge. Please contact the individual Refuges to discuss any questions or concerns. There are no refuge lands at this location. Fish hatcheries There are no sh hatcheries at this location. Wetlands in the National Wetlands Inventory (NWI) 2/23/24, 3:03 PM IPaC: Explore Location resources https://ipac.ecosphere.fws.gov/location/C7B2BTIJW5HJHLOPJNBMBQHLDQ/resources 17/17 Impacts to NWI wetlands and other aquatic habitats may be subject to regulation under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act, or other State/Federal statutes. For more information please contact the Regulatory Program of the local U.S. Army Corps of Engineers District. Wetland information is not available at this time This can happen when the National Wetlands Inventory (NWI) map service is unavailable, or for very large projects that intersect many wetland areas. Try again, or visit the NWI map to view wetlands at this location. Data limitations The Service's objective of mapping wetlands and deepwater habitats is to produce reconnaissance level information on the location, type and size of these resources. The maps are prepared from the analysis of high altitude imagery. Wetlands are identied based on vegetation, visible hydrology and geography. A margin of error is inherent in the use of imagery; thus, detailed on-the-ground inspection of any particular site may result in revision of the wetland boundaries or classication established through image analysis. The accuracy of image interpretation depends on the quality of the imagery, the experience of the image analysts, the amount and quality of the collateral data and the amount of ground truth verication work conducted. Metadata should be consulted to determine the date of the source imagery used and any mapping problems. Wetlands or other mapped features may have changed since the date of the imagery or eld work. There may be occasional dierences in polygon boundaries or classications between the information depicted on the map and the actual conditions on site. Data exclusions Certain wetland habitats are excluded from the National mapping program because of the limitations of aerial imagery as the primary data source used to detect wetlands. These habitats include seagrasses or submerged aquatic vegetation that are found in the intertidal and subtidal zones of estuaries and nearshore coastal waters. Some deepwater reef communities (coral or tubercid worm reefs) have also been excluded from the inventory. These habitats, because of their depth, go undetected by aerial imagery. Data precautions Federal, state, and local regulatory agencies with jurisdiction over wetlands may dene and describe wetlands in a dierent manner than that used in this inventory. There is no attempt, in either the design or products of this inventory, to dene the limits of proprietary jurisdiction of any Federal, state, or local government or to establish the geographical scope of the regulatory programs of government agencies. Persons intending to engage in activities involving modications within or adjacent to wetland areas should seek the advice of appropriate Federal, state, or local agencies concerning specied agency regulatory programs and proprietary jurisdictions that may aect such activities. NORTH END NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION 2-25-2024 Mr. Charles Sams III Director National Park Service 1849 C Street, NW Washington, DC 20240 Ms. Kayla Lyon Director Iowa Department of Natural Resources 502 East 9th Street, 4th Floor Des Moines, IA 50319-0034 RE: Support for Dubuque’s Comiskey Park Improvements Project Dear Director Sams and Director Lyon: On behalf of NENA, I wish to express my full support for the City of Dubuque’s application for Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership (ORLP) grant funding. Federal investment will support the transformation of Comiskey Park into a premier public space. The project is located in an underserved Census Tract with high poverty, low median household incomes, and a significant minority population. ORLP resources will support the following improvements at Comiskey Park: ● Two full-size basketball courts; ● New shaded picnic areas; ● A multi-use playing field; ● Trails throughout the park; ● A new park entryway; ● A 53-stall parking lot; and ● Additional landscaping. NENA supports the proposed park project because it supports our mission of keeping people active in our community in a positive ways. Please give the highest consideration to the City of Dubuque’s request for ORLP funding. Sincerely, Chuck Harris NENA President Iowa Senate State of Iowa Ninetieth General Assembly STATEHOUSE Des Moines, IA 50319 February 26, 2024 Mr. Charles Sams III Director National Park Service 1849 C Street, NW Washington, DC 20240 Ms. Kayla Lyon Director Iowa Department of Natural Resources 502 East 9th Street, 4th Floor Des Moines, IA 50319-0034 RE: Support for Dubuque’s Comiskey Park Improvements Project Dear Director Sams and Director Lyon: I wish to express my full support for the City of Dubuque’s application for Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership (ORLP) grant funding. Federal investment will support the transformation of Comiskey Park into a premier public space. The project is located in an underserved Census Tract with high poverty, low median household incomes, and a significant minority population. ORLP resources will support the following improvements at Comiskey Park: · Two full-size basketball courts; · New shaded picnic areas; · A multi-use playing field; · Trails throughout the park; · A new park entryway; · A 53-stall parking lot; and · I live in this neighborhood and witnessed firsthand the joy the new splash pads in this city park brought to the kids and their parents last summer. Building the basketball courts, trails, and other amenities will not only have a positive impact in this diverse neighborhood, but it will create a stronger community, and improve the economic investment in the north end of Dubuque. Please give the highest consideration to the City of Dubuque’s request for ORLP funding. Sincerely, Senate Democratic Leader Senator Pam Jochum The Point Neighborhood Association (PNA) DATE Feb 22, 2024 Mr. Charles Sams III Director National Park Service 1849 C Street, NW Washington, DC 20240 Ms. Kayla Lyon Director Iowa Department of Natural Resources 502 East 9th Street, 4th Floor Des Moines, IA 50319-0034 RE: Support for Dubuque’s Comiskey Park Improvements Project Dear Director Sams and Director Lyon: On behalf of The Point Neighborhood Association, we wish to express our full support for the City of Dubuque’s application for Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership (ORLP) grant funding. Federal investment will support the transformation of Comiskey Park into a premier public space. The project is located in an underserved Census Tract with high poverty, low median household incomes, and a significant minority population. ORLP resources will support the following improvements at Comiskey Park: • Two full-size basketball courts; • New shaded picnic areas; • A multi-use playing field; • Trails throughout the park; • A new park entryway; • A 53-stall parking lot; and • Additional landscaping. The Point Neighborhood Association supports the new proposed park project and I can tell you why this is so important to all of us in the neighborhood and the City of Dubuque. Currently the park is used by many citizens not only from the North end of town but from the citizens all over town and visitors who come to Dubuque. Let us keep the momentum going and add the updates to the park. They love the new amenities that are currently there, but stress it is vital for the other amenities to be added to make the park more user friendly and add a new investment and create a more robust economy in the north end of town, Please give the highest consideration to the City of Dubuque’s request for ORLP funding. Sincerely, The Point Neighborhood Association Presidnet Sandy Plumley and Secreatry Robin Kennicker February 20, 2024 Mr. Charles Sams III Director National Park Service 1849 C Street, NW Washington, DC 20240 Ms. Kayla Lyon Director Iowa Department of Natural Resources 502 East 9th Street, 4th Floor Des Moines, IA 50319-0034 RE: Support for Dubuque’s Comiskey Park Improvements Project Dear Director Sams and Director Lyon: On behalf of The National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium, I wish to express my full support for the City of Dubuque’s application for Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership (ORLP) grant funding. Federal investment will support the transformation of Comiskey Park into a premier public space. The project is located in an underserved Census Tract with high poverty, low median household incomes, and a significant minority population. ORLP resources will support the following improvements at Comiskey Park: • Two full-size basketball courts; • New shaded picnic areas; • A multi-use playing field; • Trails throughout the park; • A new park entryway; • A 53-stall parking lot; and • Additional landscaping. The National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium supports the City’s proposed park project as it aligns with our programmatic research that reveals public parks and green space provide critical physical, psychological, and social benefits to our urban residents. Through the Museum’s Big River CAARES program, which introduces outdoor and water recreation programs to urban youth living in the economically-distressed neighborhoods, we have witnessed increased stewardship toward natural resources due to outdoor play. We encourage you to give the highest consideration to the City of Dubuque’s request for ORLP funding. Sincerely, Kurt Strand President & CEO TRAVELDUBUQUE.COM 300 Main Street, Suite 120 | Dubuque, Iowa | 52001 February 19, 2024 Mr. Charles Sams III Director National Park Service 1849 C Street, NW Washington, DC 20240 Ms. Kayla Lyon Director Iowa Department of Natural Resources 502 East 9th Street, 4th Floor Des Moines, IA 50319-0034 RE: Support for Dubuque’s Comiskey Park Improvements Project Dear Director Sams and Director Lyon: On behalf of Travel Dubuque, I wish to express my full support for the City of Dubuque’s application for Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership (ORLP) grant funding. Federal investment will support the transformation of Comiskey Park into a premier public space. The project is located in an underserved Census Tract with high poverty, low median household incomes, and a significant minority population. ORLP resources will support the following improvements at Comiskey Park: • Two full-size basketball courts; • New shaded picnic areas; • A multi-use playing field; • Trails throughout the park; • A new park entryway; • A 53-stall parking lot; and • Additional landscaping. TRAVELDUBUQUE.COM 300 Main Street, Suite 120 | Dubuque, Iowa | 52001 Travel Dubuque fully supports the proposed park project. Parks play a vital role in enhancing the quality of life for residents by providing opportunities for recreation, relaxation, and social interaction. They serve as a gathering place where people of all ages can come together to enjoy nature, participate in outdoor activities, and foster a sense of community. Please give the highest consideration to the City of Dubuque’s request for ORLP funding. Sincerely, Sincerely, Keith Rahe PRESIDENT & CEO Travel Dubuque Mr. Charles Sams III Director National Park Service 1849 C Street, NW Washington, DC 20240 Ms. Kayla Lyon Director Iowa Department of Natural Resources 502 East 9th Street, 4th Floor Des Moines, IA 50319-0034 February 22, 2024 RE: Support for Dubuque’s Comiskey Park Improvements Project Dear Director Sams and Director Lyon, On behalf of the Dubuque Community School District, I am pleased to express strong support for the City of Dubuque’s Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership (ORLP) grant funding. Federal investment will support the transformation of Comiskey Park into a premier public space. The project is located in an underserved Census Tract with high poverty, low median household incomes, and a significant minority population. ORLP resources will support the following improvements at Comiskey Park: • Two full-size basketball courts • New shaded picnic areas; • A multi-use playing field; • Trails throughout the park; • A new park entryway; • A 53-stall parking lot; and • Additional landscaping. Comisky Park is a recreational facility that is highly used by students and families of the Dubuque Community School District. It is truly a community gathering point and its enhancement will lead to continued community vitality. We are excited to see Comisky Park continue to be a gathering destination of choice in our community – one that fosters strong relationships, health and wellness, and community pride. Thank you in advance for your full consideration of the City of Dubuque’s grant application, and for your commitment to improving the vitality of our community and in communities across the country. Sincerely, Amy Hawkins Superintendent of Schools February 19, 2024 Mr. Charles Sams III Director National Park Service 1849 C Street, NW Washington, DC 20240 Ms. Kayla Lyon Director Iowa Department of Natural Resources 502 East 9th Street, 4th Floor Des Moines, IA 50319-0034 RE: Support for Dubuque’s Comiskey Park Improvements Project Dear Director Sams and Director Lyon: On behalf of Crescent Community Health Center, I wish to express my full support for the City of Dubuque’s application for Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership (ORLP) grant funding. Federal investment will support the transformation of Comiskey Park into a premier public space. The project is located in an underserved Census Tract with high poverty, low median household incomes, and a significant minority population. ORLP resources will support the following improvements at Comiskey Park: • Two full-size basketball courts; • New shaded picnic areas; • A multi-use playing field; • Trails throughout the park; • A new park entryway; • A 53-stall parking lot; and • Additional landscaping. Crescent Community Health Center supports the proposed park project because many of our patients struggle with the ability to have venues for improved recreational opportunities, better quality of life and the health benefits of outdoor exercise. We are opening a new wellness center for indoor activities in April 2024 – the proposed Comiskey improvements will certainly be a benefit to the underserved in our area. Our most recent community health needs assessment revealed the struggles with not having enough venues for physical activity leading to obesity, diabetes, and hypertension. Please give the highest consideration to the City of Dubuque’s request for ORLP funding. Sincerely, Gary Collins, CEO Crescent Community Health Center 563.690.2860 1 0 6 9 M A I N S T R E E T  D U B U Q U E  I O W A  5 2 0 0 1 - 4 7 2 4 [ 5 6 3 ] 5 8 8 - 4 4 0 0  [ 5 6 3 ] 5 8 8 - 0 6 4 5 - F A X  W W W . D U B U Q U E M A I N S T R E E T . O R G A M A I N S T R E E T I O W A A F F I L I A T E Mr. Charles Sams III, Director February 22, 2024 National Park Service 1849 C Street, NW Washington, DC 20240 Ms. Kayla Lyon, Director Iowa Department of Natural Resources 502 East 9th Street, 4th Floor Des Moines, IA 50319-0034 RE: Support for Dubuque’s Comiskey Park Improvements Project Dear Director Sams and Director Lyon: On behalf of Dubuque Main Street, I wish to express my full support for the City of Dubuque’s application for Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership (ORLP) grant funding. Federal investment will support the transformation of Comiskey Park into a premier public space. The project is in an underserved Census Tract with high poverty, low median household incomes, and a significant minority population. ORLP resources will support the following improvements at Comiskey Park: • Two full-size basketball courts. • New shaded picnic areas. • A multi-use playing field. • Trails throughout the park. • A new park entryway. • A 53-stall parking lot; and • Additional landscaping. Dubuque Main Street supports the proposed park project because the changes to Comiskey Park have injected hope and positivity into the residents of this neighborhood. It is important for Dubuque to complete this incredible park because the children of the neighborhood deserve it, it adds a sense of place and pride to the neighborhood, and adds values to the properties within walking distance. Please give the highest consideration to the City of Dubuque’s request for ORLP funding. Sincerely, Danielle Jacobs Executive Director Dubuque Main Street February 22, 2024 Mr. Charles Sams III Director National Park Service 1849 C Street, NW Washington, DC 20240 Ms. Kayla Lyon Director Iowa Department of Natural Resources 502 East 9th Street, 4th Floor Des Moines, IA 50319-0034 RE: Support for Dubuque’s Comiskey Park Improvements Project Dear Director Sams and Director Lyon: On behalf of DRA (Dubuque Racing Association) I wish to express my full support for the City of Dubuque’s application for Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership (ORLP) grant funding. Federal investment will support the transformation of Comiskey Park into a premier public space. The project is located in an underserved Census Tract with high poverty, low median household incomes, and a significant minority population. ORLP resources will support the following improvements at Comiskey Park: • Two full-size basketball courts; • New shaded picnic areas; • A multi-use playing field; • Trails throughout the park; • A new park entryway; • A 53-stall parking lot; and • Additional landscaping. DRA supports the proposed park project because it represents a crucial investment in the community's well-being, promising improved recreational opportunities and a better quality of life for all residents. By transforming Comiskey Park into a vibrant public space, we anticipate significant health benefits, increased social cohesion, and enhanced access to nature, aligning with our mission to promote a thriving and equitable Dubuque. Please give the highest consideration to the City of Dubuque’s request for ORLP funding. Sincerely, Alex Dixon, President & CEO 1855 Greyhound Park Road · Dubuque, IA 52001 · dradubuque.com TOGETHER, WE CAN MAKE AN IMPACT. 700 Locust St., Suite 195, Dubuque, IA 52001 563.588.2700 | dbqfoundation.org Our Mission: Strengthen communities and inspire giving. December 31, 2021 Mr. Charles Sams III Director National Park Service 1849 C Street, NW Washington, DC 20240 Ms. Kayla Lyon Director Iowa Department of Natural Resources 502 East 9th Street, 4th Floor Des Moines, IA 50319-0034 RE: Support for Dubuque’s Comiskey Park Improvements Project Dear Director Sams and Director Lyon: On behalf of the Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque, I wish to express my full support for the City of Dubuque’s application for Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership (ORLP) grant funding. Federal investment will support the transformation of Comiskey Park into a premier public space. The project is located in an underserved Census Tract with high poverty, low median household incomes, and a significant minority population. ORLP resources will support the following improvements at Comiskey Park: · Two full-size basketball courts; · New shaded picnic areas; · A multi-use playing field; · Trails throughout the park; · A new park entryway; · A 53-stall parking lot; and · Additional landscaping. The Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque supports the proposed park project because this neighborhood has been traditionally underserved by outdoor recreation amenities. All residents in Dubuque deserve access to parks that help promote healthy lifestyles, fitness, and community cohesion. Please give the highest consideration to the City of Dubuque’s request for ORLP funding. Sincerely, Nancy Van Milligen President & CEO February 23, 2024 Mr. Charles Sams III Director National Park Service 1849 C Street, NW Washington, DC 20240 Ms. Kayla Lyon Director Iowa Department of Natural Resources 502 East 9th Street, 4th Floor Des Moines, IA 50319-0034 RE: Support for Dubuque’s Comiskey Park Improvements Project Dear Director Sams and Director Lyon: On behalf of Greater Dubuque Development Corporation I wish to express my full support for the City of Dubuque’s application for Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership (ORLP) grant funding. Federal investment will support the transformation of Comiskey Park into a premier public space. The project is located in an underserved Census Tract with high poverty, low median household incomes, and a significant minority population. ORLP resources will support the following improvements at Comiskey Park: • Two full-size basketball courts; • New shaded picnic areas; • A multi-use playing field; • Trails throughout the park; • A new park entryway; • A 53-stall parking lot; and • Additional landscaping. Greater Dubuque Development knows that the key to any community’s future is to be a community of choice. The improvements funded by the ORLP grant will create that community in one of our most challenged neighborhoods. It is right and fitting that Dubuque’s finest park is in our poorest census track. Please give the highest consideration to the City of Dubuque’s request for ORLP funding. In your service, Rick Dickinson President & CEO 300 Main Street | Suite 200 | Dubuque, IA 52001 February 22nd, 2024 Mr. Charles Sams III Director National Park Service 1849 C Street, NW Washington, DC 20240 Ms. Kayla Lyon Director Iowa Department of Natural Resources 502 East 9th Street, 4th Floor Des Moines, IA 50319-0034 RE: Support for Dubuque’s Comiskey Park Improvements Project Dear Director Sams and Director Lyon: On behalf of the Dubuque Area Chamber of Commerce, I wish to express my full support for the City of Dubuque’s application for Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership (ORLP) grant funding. Federal investment will support the transformation of Comiskey Park into a premier public space . The project is located in an underserved Census Tract with prevalent poverty, low median household incomes, and a significant minority population . ORLP resources will support the following improvements at Comiskey Park: • Two full-size basketball courts • New shaded picnic areas • A multi-use playing field • Trails throughout the park • A new park entryway • A 53-stall parking lot • Additional landscaping The Dubuque Area Chamber of Commerce supports the proposed park project because investing in amenities promotes a high quality of life which is key to attracting and retaining talent in our region . We support continued investment in parks, waterways, and facilities that meet the needs of residents. Please give the highest consideration to the City of Dubuque’s request for ORLP funding. Sincerely, Molly Grover, President & CEO Dubuque Area Chamber of Commerce Rep. Lindsay James Iowa House District 71 lindsay.james@legis.iowa.gov 563-235-4278 1007 E Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50319 Sincerely, Lindsay James State Representative Iowa House District 71 February 26, 2024 Mr. Charles Sams III Director National Park Service 1849 C Street, NW Washington, DC 20240 Ms. Kayla Lyon Director Iowa Department of Natural Resources 502 East 9th Street, 4th Floor Des Moines, IA 50319-0034 RE: Support for Dubuque’s Comiskey Park Improvements Project Dear Director Sams and Director Lyon: On behalf of the City of Dubuque, I wish to express my full support for the City of Dubuque’s application for Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership (ORLP) grant funding. Federal investment will support the transformation of Comiskey Park into a premier public space. The project is located in an underserved Census Tract with high poverty, low median household incomes, and a significant minority population. ORLP resources will support the following improvements at Comiskey Park: Two full-size basketball courts; New shaded picnic areas; A multi-use playing field; Trails throughout the park; A new park entryway; A 53-stall parking lot; and Additional landscaping. The City of Dubuque supports the proposed park project because the improved recreational opportunities will help create a better quality of life for the residents of this underserved neighborhood. Everyone, regardless of income level, deserves access to high-quality recreational opportunities. Please give the highest consideration to the City of Dubuque’s request for ORLP funding. Sincerely, 1 Madeline Haverland From:noreply@salesforce.com on behalf of Heather Gibb <heather.gibb@iowa.gov> Sent:Wednesday, February 16, 2022 4:10 PM To:chris@fourmounds.org Cc:Madeline Haverland; Alexis Steger; Jason Duba; shpo106@iowa.gov Subject:[CAUTION: OUTSIDE SENDER] R&C 210731938 - HUD - Dubuque - CDBG - Subgrant – Comiskey Park - CDBG - Subgrant – Comiskey Park redevelopment Warning! This message was sent from outside your organization and we were unable to verify the sender. Allow sender | Block sender We have received your submittal for the above referenced federal undertaking. We provide the following response in accordance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 and its implementing regulations 36 CFR 800. Regarding this project, please see the following comments: R&C 210731938 - HUD - Dubuque - CDBG - Subgrant – Comiskey Park - CDBG - Subgrant – Comiskey Park redevelopment Concur with the federal agency and/or their designated representative (No Historic Properties Affected - No Properties). The suggested monitoring for sewer lines or deeper excavation is appropriate for a buried horizon in high potential areas with deeper excavation, such as sewer lines. Please contact this office is there is a change in scope of work or an unanticipated discovery. All archaeological work should be completed by a Secretary of Interior qualified archaeological consultant and follow the Association of Iowa Archaeologists Guidelines for Archaeological Investigation (2021). We concur with the recommendation that 13DB1023 is not eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places. You will not receive a hard copy of this email. It is the submitter's responsibility to maintain the official file of record. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to contact our office. Best, Heather Gibb, Ph.D. Deputy State Historic Preservation Officer Pronouns: She/Her/Hers heather.gibb@iowa.gov | 515.281.4137 | iowaculture.gov Iowa Arts Council | Produce Iowa | State Historical Society of Iowa Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet.