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L&WCF Grant Application_Comiskey Park Master Plan
City of Dubuque Consent Items # 1. ITEM TITLE: SUMMARY: Copyright 2014 Land & Water Conservation Fund Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership Program Urban Grant Application - Comiskey Park Master Plan City Manager requesting authorization to apply to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources to seek Land & Water Conservation financial assistance from the National Park Service for the implementation of the Comiskey Park Master Plan. RESOLUTION Acquisition or Development for Outdoor Recreation Land and Water Conservation Fund Financial Assistance in Comiskey Park, Dubuque, Iowa SUGGESTED DISPOSITION: Suggested Disposition: Receive and File; Adopt Resolution(s) ATTACHMENTS: Description Type Land and Water Conservation Fund Grant - MVM City Manager Memo Memo Staff Memo Staff Memo Resolution Resolutions THE CITY OF Dui Masterpiece on the Mississippi TO: The Honorable Mayor and City Council Members FROM: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager Dubuque band AI -America City i r 2007 • 2012 • 2013 SUBJECT: Land & Water Conservation Fund Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership Program Urban Grant Application for the Implementation of the Comiskey Park Master Plan CIP 3601105: Comiskey Landscaping CIP 3501544: Comiskey Improvements CIP 3501578: Replace Comiskey Park Amenities CIP 1022292: Comiskey Playground Replacement CIP 3401654: Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project DATE: May 6, 2016 Assistant City Manager Teri Goodmann requests authorization to apply to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources to seek Land & Water Conservation financial assistance in the amount of $508,000.00 from the National Park Service for the implementation of the Comiskey Park Master Plan currently under development. The estimated cost of the project is $1,016,000, and the City's portion of the funding has already been identified. This cost is an increase from the original as more information became available. I concur with the recommendation and respectfully request Mayor and City Council approval. Poi Mic ael C. Van Milligen MCVM:jh Attachment cc: Barry Lindahl, City Attorney Cindy Steinhauser, Assistant City Manager Teri Goodmann, Assistant City Manager THE CITY OF Dui Masterpiece on the Mississippi TO: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager FROM: Teri Goodmann, Assistant City Manager Dubuque bitetri All -America City 1 r 2007 • 2012 • 2013 SUBJECT: Land & Water Conservation Fund Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership Program Urban Grant Application for the Implementation of the Comiskey Park Master Plan CIP 3601105: Comiskey Landscaping CIP 3501544: Comiskey Improvements CIP 3501578: Replace Comiskey Park Amenities CIP 1022292: Comiskey Playground Replacement CIP 3401654: Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project DATE: May 9, 2016 INTRODUCTION The purpose of this memo is to seek authorization to apply to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources to seek Land & Water Conservation financial assistance in the amount of $508,000.00 from the National Park Service for the implementation of the Comiskey Park Master Plan currently under development. BACKGROUND The Land and Water Conservation Fund's (LWCF) Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership (ORLP) Program announced a grant funding opportunity available to local units of government. The purpose of the LWCF ORLP is to provide grants to acquire and/or develop public lands for outdoor recreation purposes consistent with the LWCF, but specifically targeting projects located within or serving jurisdictions with urbanized areas with a population of 50,000 or more people and consisting of densely settled territory. Further, specifically targeting projects located in or directly accessible to neighborhoods or communities that are underserved in terms of parks and recreation resources and where there are significant populations of people who are economically disadvantaged, minority, and/or youth. Grants are worth from $250,000 to $750,000 each from an available total of up to $15 million in nationally -competitive grant funding from the LWCF. DISCUSSION A team of Alexis Steger, Steve Brown, Laura Carstens, Deron Muehring, Marie Ware, and myself convened to review the grant requirements and potential matches to planned City undertakings. The consensus was that the goals of the Land and Water Conservation Fund's (LWCF) Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership (ORLP) Program grant was in concert with the City's initiative to expand Comiskey Park, develop a master plan, and construct the improvements to be outlined in the master plan. The City already has budgeted over $500,000 to develop the master plan and start implementing improvements. This includes funding specifically for Comiskey Park improvements and funding associated with the Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project for making the safe, compelling connection between the linear park created by the Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project, Comiskey Park, and the Heritage Trail that all connect at E. 24th Street. Therefore, the local matching funds for the grant has already been budgeted and is available in the Fiscal Year 2016 Capital Improvement Program Budget. Receipt of the grant funding would ensure that the funding necessary to construct the improvements to be identified in the master plan is available. RECOMMENDATION I recommend that the City apply to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources to seek Land & Water Conservation financial assistance from the National Park Service in the amount of $508,000.00 (50% of the estimated project cost of $1,016,000.00). BUDGET IMPACT The adopted FY2016 CIP budget includes multiple projects with funding totaling $589,715 to be used for the development of a master plan and/or the construction of improvements to be outlined therein. The CIP projects are as follows: CIP Title/Description Amount 3601105 Comiskey Landscaping $50,000 3501544 Comiskey Improvements 30,048 3501578 Replace Comiskey Park Amenities 59,002 1022292 Comiskey Playground Replacement 200,665 3401654 Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project (Connection 250,000 to Comiskey) TOTAL $589,715 ACTION TO BE TAKEN I respectfully request adoption of the attached resolution authorizing the Comiskey Park Master Plan Implementation Project and the submission of an application to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources to seek Land & Water Conservation financial assistance from the National Park Service in the amount of $508,000.00. Prepared by Deron Muehring Attach. Cc: Barry Lindahl, City Attorney Jenny Larson, Budget Director Alexis Steger, Senior Budget Analyst Marie Ware, Leisure Services Manager Steve Fehsal, Park Division Manager Dan Kroger, Recreation Division Manager Farris Muhammad, Multicultural Family Center Director Laura Carstens, Planning Services Manager Gus Psihoyos, City Engineer Steve Brown, Project Manager Deron Muehring, Civil Engineer 2 SECTION II - LWCF APPLICATION APPLICATION GRANT APPLICATION PROCESS Remove the remainder of this document to use as your application for federal assistance in the Land and Water Conservation Fund Program. Submit one original and one copy of the application by 4:30pm, May 10th or the closest working day, each year. APPLICATION PACKET: 1. PROPOSAL AND APPLICANT INFORMATION 2. PROJECT PROPOSAL - REQUIRED DOCUMENTS Part 1 - City Council/County Board Resolution Form Part II - Proposal Description and Environmental Screening Form (PD-ESF) Part III - Required Project Maps & Example Part IV - Budget Sheet 3. FEDERAL GENERAL PROVISIONS - REQUIRED (read, sign, and include with application) SPECIAL AND/OR LARGE PROJECTS REQUIRE THE FOLLOWING: 1. Proposed Buildings Five copies of all perspective views and floor plans are required for each proposed building. Include handicapped accessibility routes and features per federal laws and regulations. 2. Water Impoundments One copy of a feasibility report for any water impoundment must be submitted with your application. 3. Sanitary and/or Waste Facilities Five copies of a letter of approval must be obtained for Sanitary and/or Waste Facilities (shower/latrine buildings, septic systems, lagoons and trailer dump stations) which will not be connected to an existing sewer system. Letters of approval are obtained from the county or municipal health officer. 4. Swimming Pools Pool plans require approval from Iowa Department of Public Health. 5. Dredging and Filling Two copies of "404" permits, Dredging or Filling, must be obtained from the Corps of Engineers for any dredging or filling done on navigable waters. 04/2016 cmc 1 DNR Form 542-0529 SECTION II - LWCF APPLICATION IOWA DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES LAND AND WATER CONSERVATION FUND Applications due May 10' GRANT APPLICATION AND APPLICANT INFORMATION 1. PROJECT Project Project Title: Comiskey Park 911 Address: 255 East 24th Street, Dubuque, IA 52001 2. TYPE OF PROJECT ❑ Acquisition ►1 Development ❑ Combination # of Acres Acquired: 1.95 3. APPLICANT CONTACT INFORMATION Agency: Email: Applicant City City of Dubuque Contact Person: Teri Goodmann tgoodman@cityofdubuque.org Telephone #: (563) 589-4110 Mailing Address: 50 W. 13th Street DUNS #: 0931053020000 & Zip Code: Dubuque 52001 County: Dubuque 4. DESCRIPTION & COSTS Project Project Federal Local Total Description: (Maximum of 100 words summarizing the project and use of LWCF Funds) 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) are overused and do not meet current recreation demands. The City of Dubuque recently purchased an adjacent 1.95 acre parcel to expand Comiskey Park. Expansion efforts will increase recreation access, enhance quality of life and improve health outcomes for Dubuque's disadvantaged households. A community planning process has launched, and proposed improvements include a splash park, additional basketball courts, all-inclusive playground equipment, shade structures, and more green space. Costs (Including Required 50% Cash Match): LWCF Funds Requested: $ 508,000 Share: Source: City of Dubuque $ 334,000 Source: State of Iowa $ 374,000 Donations: $ Project Cost: $ 1,216,000 5. OWNERSHIP OF PROJECT SITE & PREVIOUS LWCF GRANTS AT SITE Date Previous If Project Site Acquired: March 21, 2016 (Development Projects Only) LWCF Grants Awarded at Project Site ❑ Yes .1 No yes, List Project Numbers: 6. SIGNATURE Upon Civil comp signing in the space provided, the Applicant agrees to conform with the Americans with Disabilities and Rights Acts, as well as keeping the Project Site op to the public for outdoor recreation in perpetuity and ing the 5 Year /Post ompletion Inspection Reports. / / -�– (tel �G�— �l E SL t I C�ou v �v- t 3S NIT(_: ail Ot t C Q Applicant Signature and Date Applicant Name and Title (J l b a." i (o 04/2016 cmc 2 DNR Form 542-0529 RESOLUTION NO. 180-16 PROJECT PROPOSAL SECTION II - LWCF APPLICATION Part I- RESOLUTION ON ACQUISITION OR DEVELOPMENT FOR OUTDOOR RECREATION County: Dubuque WHEREAS, the City of Dubuque, Iowa (City/County) is interested in acquiring lands or developing outdoor recreational facilities on the following described project for the enjoyment of the citizenry of and the State Iowa. Site Name: Comiskey Park Site Address: 255 E. 24th Street, Dubuque, Iowa Project Title: Comiskey Park Master Plan Implementation Total Estimated Cost: $ 1,016,000 Brief Description of Project: The project involves the expansion of Comiskey Park, which serves serves the Washington and North End Neighborhoods. Existing park amenities (playground equipment, skate park, tennis court, basketball courts, and soccer goals) do not meet current recreation demands. A 1.95 acre parcel was acquired in early 2016 to grow the park footprint. The City has begun to develop the master plan using a community engagement process to redesign existing amenities and/or add new elements such as a splash park. AND, Land and Water Conservation Fund financial assistance is being sought for the acquisition or development of said outdoor recreational facilities, NOW THEREFORE, be it resolved by the City Council of the City of Dubuque (IA) that the project described above be authorized, AND, be it further resolved that said City Council make application to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources to seek Land and Water Conservation Fund financial assistance from the National Park Service in the amount of 50 % of the actual cost of the project, AND, be it further resolved that said City Council certifies to the following: 1. That is will accept the terms and conditions set forth in the NPS Grants -in -Aid Manual and which will be a part of the Project Agreement for any grant awarded under the attached proposal. 2. That it is in complete accord with the attached proposal and that it will carry out the acquisition and/or development in the manner described in the proposal and any plans and specifications attached thereto unless prior approval for any change has been received from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. 3. That is has the ability and intention to finance its share of the cost of the project and that the project will be operated and maintained at the expense of said City Council for public outdoor recreational use. 4. That no financial assistance has been given or promised under any other federal program or activity with regard to the proposed project. 5. That it will not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, or natural origin in the use of any property or failure acquired or developed pursuant to this proposal, and shall comply with the terms and intent of the Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, P.L. 88-352 (1964), and of the regulations promulgated pursuant to such Act by the Secretary of the Interior and contained in 43 CFR 17. 6. That it will maintain adequate financial records on the proposed project to substantiate claims for cost- sharing. THIS IS TO CERTIFY that the foregoing is a true and correct copy of a resolution duly and legally adopted by the City Council of the City of Dubuque (IA) at a legal meeting held on this 9th Day of May , 20 16 is (signature) (signatu`re) C. Roy D. Buol, Mayor Kevin S. Firnstahl, City Clerk (title) (title) 04/2016 cmc 16 DNR Form 542-0529 CERTIFICATE of the CITY CLERK STATE OF IOWA ) SS: COUNTY OF DUBUQUE ) I, Kevin S. Firnstahl, do hereby certify that I am the duly appointed, qualified, City Clerk of the City of Dubuque, Iowa, in the County aforesaid, and as such City Clerk, I have in my possession or have access to the records of the proceedings of the City Council. I do further state that the hereto attached Resolution No. 180-16 is a true and correct copy of the original. In Testimony Whereof, I hereunto set my hand and official seal of the City of Dubuque, Iowa. Dated at Dubuque, Iowa, on this 10th day of May, 2016. Kevin S. irnstahl, CMC, ity Clerk (SEAL) SECTION II - LWCF APPLICATION Part II- LWCF PROPOSAL DESCRIPTION AND ENVIRONMENTAL SCREENING (PD-ESF) The purpose of this Proposal Description and Environmental Screening Form (PD-ESF) is to provide descriptive and environmental information about a variety of Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) state assistance proposals submitted for National Park Service (NPS) review and decision. The completed PD-ESF becomes part of the "federal administrative record" in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and its implementing regulations. The PD portion of the form captures administrative and descriptive details enabling the state and NPS to understand the proposal. The ESF portion is designed for States and/or project sponsors to use while the LWCF proposal is under development. Upon completion, the ESF will indicate the resources that could be impacted by the proposal enabling States and/or project sponsors to more accurately follow an appropriate pathway for NEPA analysis: 1) a recommendation for a Categorical Exclusion (CE), 2) production of an Environmental Assessment (EA), or 3) production of an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). The ESF should also be used to document any previously conducted yet still viable environmental analysis if used for this federal proposal. When necessary, use a separate sheet for narrative descriptions and explanations, address each item and question in the order it is presented, and identify each response with its item number such as Step A2; Step 4 - Al, A29; etc. Step 1. Type of LWCF Proposal ❑ Acquisition ® Development Go to Step 2A Go to Step 28 Step 2. Proposal Description (PD) ❑ Combination (Acquisition & Development) Complete Step 2A and 28 A. For an Acquisition Project 1. Provide a brief narrative about the proposal that provides the reasons for the acquisition, the number of acres to be acquired with LWCF assistance, and a description of the property. Describe and quantify the types of existing resources and features on the site (for example, 50 acres wetland, 2,000 feet beachfront, 200 acres forest, scenic views, 100 acres riparian, vacant lot, special habitat, any unique or special features, recreation amenities, historic/cultural resources, hazardous materials/ contamination history, restrictions, institutional controls, easements, rights-of-way, above ground/underground utilities, including wires, towers, etc.). 2. How and when will the site be made open and accessible for public outdoor recreation use (signage, entries, parking, site improvements, allowable activities, etc.)? 04/2016 cmc 4 DNR Form 542-0529 SECTION II - LWCF APPLICATION 3. Describe development plans for the proposal for the site(s) for public outdoor recreation use within the next three (3) years. 4. Acq Code* Parcel # Acres Estimated Date of Acquisition Estimated Value of Land to be Acquired Estimated Value of Improvements to be Acquired Total Estimated Cost Total Acres Total Cost * Code: 1. = Negotiated Purchase 2. = Condemnation 3. = Donation One Appraisal is required on each acquisition. Contact the Budgets & Finance Bureau of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources prior to conducting an appraisal to receive the appropriate appraisal guidelines. Appraisals will not be returned. 5. Will acquisition included in this proposal cause the displacement of individuals, families, businesses or farms? ❑ Yes ❑ No Number of: Individuals: Families: Businesses: Farms: 6. Anticipated income from project site during project period: $ 7. The (applicant) agrees to comply with the terms and intent of P.L. 91-646, Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970, 84 Stat. 1894 (1970). 8. Go to Step 2C below 04/2016 cmc 5 DNR Form 542-0529 SECTION II - LWCF APPLICATION B. For a Development Project 1. Describe the physical improvements and/or facilities that will be developed with federal LWCF assistance, including a site sketch depicting improvements, where and how the public will access the site, parking, etc. Indicate entrances on 6(f) map. Indicate to what extent the project involves new development, rehabilitation, and/or replacement of existing facilities. Comiskey Park will be expanded from 3.74 acres to 5.69 acres. Preliminary community input has indicated demand for a splash park, additional basketball courts, all-inclusive playground equipment, shade structures, and more green space. A formal community planning process has commenced, which will wrap up this fall. This planning process will be used to configure new development within the expanded Comiskey Park. See attached site sketch depicting proposed improvements. Comiskey Park is easiliy accessible to residents of the distressed Washington and North End Neighborhoods by foot, bicycle or vehicle. A parking lot adjacent to the on-site community center provides limited off-street parking. Ample on -street parking is available surrounding Comiskey Park. Sidewalks and the regional trail system also provides access for pedestrians. In addition, the park is conveniently located on an active bus route providing individuals young and old easy access year around. 2. When will the project be completed and open for public outdoor recreation use? Dubuque has launched the community planning process to finalize and configure improvements at the expanded Comiskey Park. That effort will wrap up this September 2016. Construction will commence at Comiskey Park in Spring 2017, and conclude by summer 2018. Existing amenities will remain open during construction. New improvements will be scheduled to open for public outdoor recreation use in August 2018. 3. Go to Step 2C below C. For all Projects — Project Scope and Justification 1. Will this proposal create a new public park/recreation area where none previously existed and is not an addition to an existing public park/recreation area? Yes ❑ (go to #3) No ® (go to #2) 2. What is the name of the pre-existing public area that this new site will be added to? Comiskey Park 3. What will be the name of this new public park/recreation area? Comiskey Park 4. What is the sponsor's type of ownership and control of the property? ® Fee simple ownership ❑ Less than fee simple. Explain: 5. Describe the location of the project site, physical address and any facilities or improvements on the project site. Comiskey Park is located on East 24th Street in Dubuque, between Jackson and Washington Streets. It is accessible to the low-income families of the Washington and North End Neighborhoods. The site is situated in Dubuque County Census Tract 5, which demonstrates significant economic distress. Current on-site amenities at Comiskey Park include playground equipment, a skate park, a tennis court, basketball courts, a small softball field, soccer goals, multi-purpose green space, and a community center. Limited off-street parking is available adjacent to the community center. The project is near Dubuque's 04/2016 cmc 6 DNR Form 542-0529 SECTION II - LWCF APPLICATION major Bee Branch restoration initiative, an effort to daylight a buried creek that has contributed to significant flooding of distressed homes in the area. 6. Describe the Scope of the proposed project. Pre -Award: - Complete razing buildings on acquired property - Complete planning and design for Comiskey Park improvements Post -Award: - Prepare bid documents - Conduct procurement process - Oversee construction/installation of: - Splash park - Basketball courts - All-inclusive playground equipment - Shade structures - Softball Field - Conduct outreach to promote project progress - Host grand opening of park improvements 7. Describe the purpose and justification/need of the proposed project. Comiskey Park is the only available outdoor recreation space for the low-income Washington and North End Neighborhoods (see map below). Families in Dubuque County Census Tracts 1, 3, 4, 5, and 6 are economically distressed. Median household incomes range from $31,452 (Census Tract 5) to $41,868 (Census Tract 6), below the national and state levels of $53,482 and $52,716, respectively. Poverty is as high as 31.2% (Census Tract 5) in the surrounding area. Residents near Comiskey Park also suffer from poor mobility; approximately 25% of workers 16 years and older in Census Tract 5 have no access to a vehicle. Comiskey Park is heavily used by neighborhood residents. Existing amenities include playground equipment, a skate park, a tennis court, basketball courts, a softball field, soccer goals, and a community center. Long waits occur frequently for people seeking to use the facilities. At 3.74 acres, Comiskey Park's small size relative to the densely -populated area that it serves (up to 8,180.8 people per square mile in Census Tract 5) creates competing demands among neighborhood residents. Comiskey Park is the only green space close to these residents' homes; no other parks are located with 0.5 miles or a 10 minute walk. Comiskey Park's amenities are also not comparable to other parks in the jurisdiction, and do not adequately serve community needs. Strong demand for play areas in the neighborhoods surrounding Comiskey Park led the City to acquire the adjacent 1.95 acre parcel in early 2016. The acquisition is the first of two phases of anticipated expansion. The first phase will expand Comiskey Park's footprint to 5.69 acres. Four buildings located on the recently acquired parcel are currently being removed; deconstruction will be complete in June 2016. Dubuque's Leisure Services Department already has conducted outreach with neighborhood residents to determine which types of new development are desired within the expanded Comiskey Park. Preliminary input has indicated demand for a splash park (Dubuque's first), additional basketball courts, shaded facilities, and more green space. This new development will provide fresh recreational opportunities, as well as relieve pressure on existing facilities within Comiskey Park. Proposed improvements will serve the low-income residents of the Washington and North End Neighborhoods. These struggling households have low access to recreational opportunities in the Dubuque area. Comiskey Park is the most convenient green space available to residents with mobility 04/2016 cmc 7 DNR Form 542-0529 SECTION II - LWCF APPLICATION challenges.Comiskey Park improvements also leverage two critical community projects: The Heritage Trail is a 26 -mile long multi -use rail trail connecting Dubuque and Dyersville, Iowa. It was converted from a segment of the former Chicago Great Western railroad line between Chicago and Oelwein, Iowa. The trail's smooth, compacted limestone surface is ideal for bicycling. Dubuque has developed municipal on -street and off-road routes that connect with the Heritage Trail. Comiskey Park is the trailhead for Dubuque residents seeking access to the Heritage Trail. According the U.S. Census Bureau, the area surrounding Comiskey Park is disproportionately minority and low-income. Minority rates in Census Tracts 1 and 5 (park location) are 30.7% and 25.2%, respectively, compared to 9.5% in Dubuque and 12.2% across the state. Poverty ranges from 19.6% in Census Tract 6 up to 32.1% in Census Tract 1, compared to the Iowa rate of 12.6% and the national poverty level of 15.6%. Median household incomes are low (as little as $23,109 in Census Tract 1, compared to $52,482 nationwide) and unemployment is elevated (7.5% in Census Tract 5). A high percentage of residents living near Comiskey Park rely upon Food Stamps and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits (32.2% in Census Tract 5, nearly three times higher than the 12.7% citywide rate). Significant numbers of residents also do not have access to a vehicle (30.1% in Census Tract 1), and thus are limited in their ability to access outdoor recreation space outside the neighborhood. Mobility is also impaired for a sizable population of disabled residents (nearly 25% in Census Tract 4). The community is impacted by brownfields, flooding and other environmental justice concerns. Enhancements at Comiskey Park will improve health outcomes for vulnerable residents. A health needs assessment conducted by the City identified the neighborhoods surrounding Comiskey Park — designated as a Medically Underserved Area by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) — as "high risk." Active recreational opportunities will help Dubuque prevent obesity and diabetes for at -risk populations. Proposed recreational opportunities at Comiskey Park are targeted to particular age groups in Dubuque. The Washington and North End Neighborhoods have significant populations of children under 5 years old and between 5 and 9 years old. The recommended splash park (a first for Dubuque) will appeal to this demographic. Shade structures and green space also resonate with families with small children, as well as the area's noteworthy senior population. Finally, Comiskey Park is located near two elementary schools with limited outdoor play areas. Enhancing this community attraction will provide nearby students with opportunities for outdoor learning and recreation after school 8. Describe the environment of the project site. The history of the site, future of site without implementation of proposed project, environmental intrusions, etc. Comiskey Park was once the site of Dubuque's first professional baseball stadium, and was named in honor of Charles Albert Comiskey, the famed baseball player and club owner. On June 20, 1929, the field was dedicated. Now a family play area, the 3.74 acre park serves Dubuque's low-income Washington and North End Neighborhoods. Strong demand for more green space in the neighborhoods surrounding Comiskey Park led the City to acquire the adjacent 1.95 acre parcel in early 2016. Preliminary input has indicated desire for a splash park, additional basketball courts, shaded facilities, and more green space. Comiskey Park is heavily used by neighborhood residents. Long waits occur frequently for people seeking to use the facilities. Without improvements, families seeking outdoor recreation in the Washington and North End Neighbhorhood will have limited opportunities. There are no environmental intrusions or constraints upong new development at Comiskey Park. 9. What if any interrelationships with other federal, state or local projects are there? 04/2016 cmc 8 DNR Form 542-0529 SECTION II - LWCF APPLICATION With support from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's (HUD) Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds, Dubuque's Leisure Services Department offers a Summer Basketball League at the park that serves over 50 African-American adult participants and attracts hundreds of spectators. National Park Service (NPS) support will leverage Dubuque's efforts to reduce the risk of harmful environmental contamination. The city's proximity to a major commercial waterway made the area convenient for a variety of industrial uses, including shipbuilding and repair, railroads, bulk petroleum and coal storage operations, food processing, farm machinery production, and lead mining activity. Manufacturing reigned in Dubuque until the mid -1900s. Some of Dubuque's largest factories still operate in the North End. In 2013, Dubuque was awarded a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Brownfields Assessment Grant to begin cleanup efforts at polluted sites near Comiskey Park. Already, the City has identified properties for remediation. Improved recreational opportunities at Comiskey Park will support planned mixed-use development. Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership resources will improve conditions for Washington and North End Neighborhoods who have been victims of repeated flood disasters. Between 1999 and 2011, six Presidential Disaster Declarations were issued with total damage estimates of almost $70 million. While property values have increased across Dubuque, the neighborhoods surrounding Comiskey Park have seen steadily declining property assessments. Comiskey Park expansion, in conjunction with the Bee Branch Mitigation Project (daylighting of nearby buried creek), will serve as critical green infrastructure, reducing the volume of stormwater runoff in a flood -prone area. The Bee Branch project has received signficant state and federal funding support. Improved outdoor recreational opportunities also benefit the targeted low-income audience of HUD's National Disaster Resilience Competition award. Dubuque is receiving $31.5 million to support its Green & Healthy Homes Initiative, which will assist Bee Branch Watershed homeowners in repairing and "flood - proofing" their homes. New Comiskey Park amenities will improve quality of life for these Washington and North End Neighborhood residents. 10. Describe the nature of any rights-of-way, easements, reversionary interests, etc. to the Section 6(f) park area? Indicate the location on 6(f) map. Do parties understand that a Section 6(f) conversion may occur if private or non -recreation activities occur on any pre-existing right-of-way, easement, or leased area? Comiskey Park is owned by the City of Dubuque. There are no right-of-way, easement or reversionary interest issues with the site. 11. Are overhead utility lines present, and if so, explain how they will be treated per LWCF Manual. No overhead utility lines are present in the development area. 12. As a result of this project, describe new types of outdoor recreation opportunities and capacities, and short and long term public benefits. New types of recreation at Comiskey Park will include a splash park, as well as expanded availability of basketball courts. Shade structures and more green space will allow for more passive recreation. The City may also build a "Safety Village" play area for children. This would be built in collaboration with the Police Department to establish safety programs to teach children about road safety, rail safety, and other related issues that affect children in the area. 04/2016 cmc 9 DNR Form 542-0529 SECTION II - LWCF APPLICATION The project will provide both short- and long-term public benefits. A health needs assessment conducted by the City identified the neighborhoods surrounding Comiskey Park — designated as a Medically Underserved Area by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) — as "high risk." Active recreational opportunities will help Dubuque prevent obesity and diabetes for at -risk populations. New recreational opportunities will help to improve quality of life and spur economic vitality in a depressed part of the city. 13. Explain any existing non -recreation and non-public uses that will continue on the site(s) and/or proposed for the future within the 6(f) boundary. No non -recreation or non-public uses exist on the site. 14. Describe the planning process that led to the development of this proposal. Your narrative should address: a. How was the interested and affected public notified and provided opportunity to be involved in planning for and developing your LWCF proposal? Who was involved and how were they able to review the completed proposal, including any state, local, federal agency professionals, subject matter experts, members of the public and Indian Tribes. Describe any public meetings held and/or formal public comment periods, including dates and length of time provided for the public to participate in the planning process and/or to provide comments on the completed proposal. Improvements at Comiskey Park have were discussed at public meetings preceding the purchase of 1.95 acres adjacent of the site. The City Council also conducted public sessions approving the purchase of the property. The public was notified through web, print and other communication channels. A community engagement process already has commenced to determine the types and placement of amenities in the expanded park. That outreach will continue through the summer, when a draft plan and design will be released. Dubuque will use multiple communication channels to connect with interested stakeholders — focus groups, surveys, fairs, movie nights, and existing programming. The goal of these efforts will be to solicit feedback on residents' interests and desired uses of the park. Specifically, the City seeks input on the design of Comiskey Park; ongoing programming needs; and volunteer opportunities to manage and maintain the space. Robust community engagement will foster community ownership of Comiskey Park, and help the City better understand residents' expectations. Multiple partners will help to ensure project success. Key organizations include: The Multicultural Family Center, located within walking distance of the project area, helps to empower community members and build unity out of diversity. The organization sponsors programs that promote Tong -term learning and celebrate different cultures. Many of its patrons and program participants live and work in the neighborhoods surrounding Comiskey Park. The Multicultural Family Center will support Comiskey Park expansion by helping the City connect youth with outdoor recreation experiences. The North End Neighborhood Association was established in 1992 to work for the betterment of neighborhood residents. Comiskey Park has been the home base for the North End Neighborhood. The group meets monthly at the Comiskey Community Building, holds virtually all of their community events at the park, and have been long involved in the planning for both park improvements and programming decisions for the park. Crescent Community Health Center is a Federally Qualified Health Center which provides primary 04/2016 cmc 10 DNR Form 542-0529 SECTION II - LWCF APPLICATION medical and dental care to individuals and families who are uninsured and underinsured in the Washington and North End Neighborhoods. The clinic understands that the proposed project will provide opportunities for healthy lifestyle choices for its clients and other underserved populations, and will actively plan outdoor activities (e.g., yoga, Tai chi) at Comiskey Park for patients and neighborhood residents. The Dubuque Community School District serves over 10,500 students in 18 schools and an Alternative Learning Center. Two elementary schools are within the project area. The Dubuque Community School District will engage with the City in the design and implementation of Comiskey Park improvements, and will seek opportunities to use the space for outdoor classroom learning and after-school activities. The Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque is a tax-exempt public charity that provides critical support for local projects. Expansion of Comiskey Park will compliment many of its ongoing initiatives that impact low-income, underserved communities. The foundation will actively participate in gathering community feedback on Comiskey Park's design. The Greater Dubuque Development Corporation is a non-profit economic development organization focused on business retention and expansion, workforce development, and new business recruitment. The organization has provided important leadership in all major City initiatives, and will help to sponsor ongoing programming at Comiskey Park. b. What information was made available to the public for review and comment? A copy of the LWCF application was made available on Dubuque's web site. Did the sponsor provide written responses addressing the comments? Yes ❑ No If yes, include responses with this PD/ESF submission. ❑ attached. 15. How does this proposal implement statewide outdoor recreation goals as presented in the Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP) (include references), and explain why this proposal was selected using the State's Open Project Selection Process (OPSP). New development at Comiskey Park is in alignment with Iowa's Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP): PRIORITY 1: Address funding challenges as they relate to growing healthy and sustainable opportunities in outdoor recreation and open spaces for Iowa Goal 1: Promote the contribution of natural resource recreation and conservation to the economic vitality and quality of life for Iowans. - Washington and North End Neighborhood residents have limited opportunities to connect with nature and green space. Park expansion will improve quality of life and support economic development in these underprivileged areas. Goal 2: Ascertain funding opportunities available for consistent and Tong -term financial support to meet the demands of outdoor recreation and conservation that are mutually beneficial to government agencies, the private sector and user groups. - NPS support will help meet Dubuque's and the State of Iowa's recreation goals. The City is committed to the long-term maintenance and programming of Comiskey Park. 04/2016 cmc 11 DNR Form 542-0529 SECTION II - LWCF APPLICATION PRIORITY 2: Create places to go in Iowa that exemplify best practices in natural resource conservation while providing a variety of opportunities for outdoor recreation Goal 2: Encourage public agencies and local governments to protect the parks and natural areas within their jurisdiction, limiting resale of public lands and open spaces for other non -outdoor recreation or non - open space development. - Comiskey Park is the only green space available to low-income families in the Washington and North End Neighborhoods with mobility challenges (approximately 25% of workers 16 years and older in Census Tract 5 have no access to a vehicle). Dubuque seeks to expand this park area to meet growing outdoor recreation demands. Goal 4: Provide high-quality, safe and affordable recreational opportunities that meet the demands, needs and diversity of experiences Iowans desire. - Comiskey Park serve low-income, diverse neighborhoods in Dubuque. Proposed improvements have been recommended by targeted residents. PRIORITY 3: Encourage collaboration and planning efforts to advance outdoor recreation Goal 1: Invest in sound local and regional planning, including the integration of outdoor recreation, health and natural resources conservation and protection, as well as to provide a comprehensive and diverse vision. - Dubuque is undergoing a comprehensive planning effort this summer to configure new development within the expanded Comiskey Park. Goal 2: Provide seamless delivery of outdoor recreation from all recreation providers encouraging private - public partnerships that share a common vision for high-quality, sustainable and resource benefitting opportunities. - Multiple partners are involved in Comiskey Park's revitalization, including the City, the community foundation, the school district, a health care provider, and the business community. PRIORITY 4: Promote outdoor recreation as a means to achieve a healthier lifestyle, enhancing the quality of life for all Iowans Goal 1: Link outdoor recreation and participation to desired wellness and public health benefits. - Improved health outcomes are a critical project goal, particularly because the neighborhoods surrounding Comiskey Park are designated as a Medically Underserved Area by HRSA and "high risk" by a community health needs assessment. PRIORITY 5: Better understand Iowans' outdoor recreation wants and needs, and develop effective tools that connect them to Iowa's natural resource opportunities, based on their unique demographics and interests Goal 2: Using a multi -faceted approach (formal and informal educational processes), promote youth participation in the outdoors striving for a greater understanding, appreciation and use of Iowa's resources. - Various programming will occur at Comiskey Park, including youth sports, toddler play areas, environmental education, and exercise (e.g., yoga, Tai chi). 16. Is this LWCF project scope part of a larger effort not reflected on the SF -424 (Application for Federal Assistance) and grant agreement? Yes ❑ No ® If so, briefly describe the larger effort, funding amount(s) and source(s). Larger effort Amount Source $ 17. List all required federal, state, and local permits/approvals needed for the proposal and explain their purpose and status. 04/2016 cmc 12 DNR Form 542-0529 SECTION II - LWCF APPLICATION Step 3. Summary of Previous Environmental Review To avoid duplication of effort and unnecessary delays, describe any prior environmental review undertaken at any time and still viable for this proposal or related efforts that could be useful for understanding potential environmental impacts. Consider previous local, state, federal (e.g. HUD, EPA, USFWS, FHWA, DOT) and any other environmental reviews. At a minimum, address the following: 1. Date of environmental review(s), purpose for the environmental review(s) and for whom they were conducted. A Phase I archeological investigation was performed by Tallgrass Historians, Iowa City, IA (Tallgrass) on the property acquired to expand the park and documented in their March 2015 report entitled Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project, City of Dubuque, Dubuque County, Iowa: Supplemental Intensive Archaeological Investigation of the Expanded Area of Potential Effect (APE). 2. Description of the proposed action and alternatives. The Tallgrass report referenced above concluded that "the Phase I investigation resulted in the recommendation of the site as ineligible for the NRHP and warranting no further investigation." 3. Who was involved in identifying resource impact issues and developing the proposal including the interested and affected public, government agencies, and Indian tribes? The Iowa Department of Natural Resources, the USACE, and the State Historic Preservation Office with input from the Dubuque Historic Commission, the Iowa Historic Preservation Alliance, the National Trust for Historic Preservation, and the Advisory Council on Historic Preservations, as well as, multiple local Indian tribes. 4. Environmental resources analyzed and determination of impacts for proposed actions and alternatives. The only potential impact to environmental resources related to the expanded park was related to archeological resources. 5. Any mitigation measures to be part of the proposed action. No. 6. Public comment periods (how long, when in the process, who was invited to comment) and agency response. The proposed Programmatic Agreement was the subject of comment for 30 days. The PA was executed as drafted following the public comment period. 7. Any formal decision and supporting reasons regarding degree of potential impacts to the human environment. Based on a Programmatic Agreement among the USACE, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, the State Historic Preservation Office, and the City of Dubuque, the only potential impacts to the human environment were related to potential archeological resources. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (on behalf of the US EPA) and the State Historic Preservation Office concurred with the report findings indicating NRHP ineligibility and that no further investigation is warranted. 8. Was this proposed LWCF federal action and/or any other federal actions analyzed/reviewed in any of the previous environmental reviews? Yes ❑ No El If so, what was analyzed and what impacts were identified? Provide specific environmental review 04/2016 cmc 13 DNR Form 542-0529 SECTION II - LWCF APPLICATION document references. Use resource impact information generated during previous environmental reviews described above and from recently conducted site inspections to complete the Environmental Screening Form (ESF) portion of this PD- ESF under Step 4. Your ESF responses should indicate your proposal's potential for impacting each resource as determined in the previous environmental review(s), and include a reference to where the analysis can be found in an earlier environmental review document. If the previous environmental review documents contain proposed actions to mitigate impacts, briefly summarize the mitigation for each resource as appropriate. The appropriate references for previous environmental review document(s) must be documented on the ESF, and the actual document(s) along with this PD-ESF must be included in the submission for NPS review. Step 4. Environmental Screening Form (ESF) This portion of the PD-ESF is a working tool used to identify the level of environmental documentation which must accompany the proposal submission to the NPS. By completing the ESF, the project sponsor is providing support for its recommendation in Step 5 that the proposal either: • 1. meets criteria to be categorically excluded (CE) from further NEPA review and no additional environmental documentation is necessary CE# (select from pages 22 & 23); or ❑ 2. requires further analysis through an environmental assessment (EA) or an environmental impact statement (EIS) (fill out Part A and B below). An ESF alone does not constitute adequate environmental documentation unless a CE is recommended. If an EA is required, the EA process and resulting documents must be included in the proposal submission to the NPS. If an EIS may be required, the State must request NPS guidance on how to proceed. The scope of the required environmental analysis will vary according to the type of LWCF proposal. For example, the scope for a new LWCF project will differ from the scope for a conversion. Consult the LWCF Manual for guidance on defining the scope or extent of environmental analysis needed for your LWCF proposal. As early as possible in your planning process, consider how your proposal/project may have direct, indirect and cumulative impacts on the human environment for your type of LWCF action so planners have an opportunity to design alternatives to lessen impacts on resources, if appropriate. When used as a planning tool in this way, the ESF responses may change as the proposal is revised until it is ready for submission for federal review. Initiating or completing environmental analysis after a decision has been made is contrary to both the spirit and letter of the law of the NEPA. The ESF should be completed with input from resource experts and in consultation with relevant local, state, tribal and federal governments, as applicable. The interested and affected public should be notified of the proposal and be invited to participate in scoping out the proposal (see LWCF Manual Chapter 4). At a minimum, a site inspection of the affected area must be conducted by individuals who are familiar with the type of affected resources, possess the ability to identify potential resource impacts, and to know when to seek additional data when needed. At the time of proposal submission to NPS for federal review, the completed ESF must justify the NEPA pathway that was followed: CE recommendation, production of an EA, or production of an EIS. The resource topics and issues identified on the ESF for this proposal must be presented and analyzed in an attached EA/EIS. Consult the LWCF Manual for further guidance on LWCF and NEPA. The ESF contains two parts that must be completed: Part A. Environmental Resources Part B. Mandatory Criteria 04/2016 cmc 14 DNR Form 542-0529 SECTION II - LWCF APPLICATION Part A: For each environmental resource topic, choose an impact estimate level (none, negligible, minor, exceeds minor) that describes the degree of potential negative impact for each listed resource that may occur directly, indirectly and cumulatively as a result of federal approval of your proposal. For each impacted resource provide a brief explanation of how the resource might be affected, how the impact level was determined, and why the chosen impact level is appropriate. If an environmental review has already been conducted on your proposal and is still viable, include the citation including any planned mitigation for each applicable resource, and choose an impact level as mitigated. If the resource does not apply to your proposal, mark NA in the first column. Add any relevant resources (see A.24 on the ESF) if not included in the list. Provide several photos of the area and use a separate sheet to briefly clarify how each resource could be adversely impacted; any direct, indirect, and cumulative impacts that may occur; and any additional data that still needs to be determined. Explain any planned mitigation already addressed in previous environmental reviews. Part B: This is a list of mandatory impact criteria that preclude the use of categorical exclusions. If you answer "yes" or "maybe" for any of the mandatory criteria, you must develop an EA or EIS regardless of your answers in Part A. Explain all "yes" and "maybe" answers on a separate sheet. A. ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES No/Negligible Indicate potential for adverse impacts. Not Impacts -Exists Impacts More Data Needed to Use a separate sheet to clarify Applicable- but no or Minor Exceed Minor Determine Degree of responses per instructions for Part A on Resource negligible Impacts equineEA/EIImpact page 10. does not exist impacts required EA/EIS required 1. Geological resources: soils, bedrock, ® ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ slopes, streambeds, landforms, etc. 2. Air quality ® ❑ 0 0 0 3. Sound (noise impacts) ® 0 0 0 0 4. Water quality/quantity ® 0 0 0 0 5. Stream flow characteristics ® 0 0 0 0 6. Marine/estuarine ® 0 0 0 0 7. Floodplains/wetlands ® 0 0 0 0 8. Land use/ownership patterns; property ® ❑ 0 ❑ 0 values; community livability 9. Circulation, transportation ® 0 0 0 0 10. Plant/animal/fish species of special concern and habitat; state/federal ® 0 0 0 0 listed or proposed for listing 11. Unique ecosystems, such as biosphere reserves, World Heritage ® 0 ❑ 0 0 sites, old growth forests, etc. 12. Unique or important wildlife/ wildlife habitat 13. Unique or important fish/habitat 14. Introduce or promote invasive species (plant or animal) 15. Recreation resources, land, parks, open space, conservation areas, rec. trails, facilities, services, opportunities, public access, etc. 16. Accessibility for populations with disabilities 17. Overall aesthetics, special characteristics/features 18. Historical/cultural resources, including landscapes, ethnographic, archeological, structures, etc. Attach SHPO/THPO determination. 19. Socioeconomics, including employment, occupation, income ® 0 ❑ 0 0 changes, tax base, infrastructure ® 0 0 0 0 ® 0 0 0 0 ® 0 0 0 0 El El ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ 0 ❑ 04/2016 cmc 15 DNR Form 542-0529 20. Minority and low-income populations 21. Energy resources (geothermal, fossil fuels, etc.) 22. Other agency or tribal land use plans or policies 23. Land/structures with history of contamination/hazardous materials even if remediated 24. Other important environmental resources to address. SECTION II - LWCF APPLICATION 0 0 0 ❑ ® 0 0 0 0 O 0 0 0 0 O 0 0 0 0 ® 0 0 0 0 B. MANDATORY CRITERIA To be If your LWCF proposal is approved, would it... Yes No determined 1. Have significant impacts on public health or safety? ❑ ® ❑ 2. Have significant impacts on such natural resources and unique geographic characteristics as historic or cultural resources; park, recreation, or refuge lands, wilderness areas; wild or scenic rivers; national natural landmarks; sole or principal drinking water aquifers; prime farmlands; ❑ ® 0 wetlands (E.O. 11990); floodplains (E.O 11988); and other ecologically significant or critical areas. 3. Have highly controversial environmental effects or involve unresolved conflicts concerning ❑ ® ❑ alternative uses of available resources [NEPA section 102(2)(E)]? 4. Have highly uncertain and potentially significant environmental effects or involve unique or ❑ ® ❑ unknown environmental risks? 5. Establish a precedent for future action or represent a decision in principle about future actions ❑ ® ❑ with potentially significant environmental effects? 6. Have a direct relationship to other actions with individually insignificant, but cumulatively ❑ ® ❑ significant, environmental effects? 7. Have significant impacts on properties listed or eligible for listing on the National Register of ❑ ® ❑ Historic Places, as determined by either the bureau or office.(Attach SHPO/THPO Comments) 8. Have significant impacts on species listed or proposed to be listed on the List of Endangered or Threatened Species, or have significant impacts on designated Critical Habitat for these ❑ ® ❑ species. 9. Violate a federal law, or a state, local, or tribal law or requirement imposed for the protection of ❑ ® ❑ the environment? 10. Have a disproportionately high and adverse effect on low income or minority populations ❑ ® ❑ (Executive Order 12898)? 11. Limit access to and ceremonial use of Indian sacred sites on federal lands by Indian religious practitioners or significantly adversely affect the physical integrity of such sacred sites ❑ ® ❑ (Executive Order 13007)? 12. Contribute to the introduction, continued existence, or spread of noxious weeds or non-native invasive species known to occur in the area, or actions that may promote the introduction, ❑ ® ❑ growth, or expansion of the range of such species (Federal Noxious Weed Control Act and Executive Order 13112)? ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEWERS The following individual(s) provided input in the completion of the environmental screening form. List all reviewers including name, title, agency, field of expertise. 1. 2. 3. The following individuals conducted a site inspection to verify field conditions. List name of inspector(s), title, agency, and date(s) of inspection. 1. 2. 3. LWCF applicant signature here laS Date 04/2016 cmc 16 ONR Form 542-0529 OMB Number: 4040-0004 Expiration Date: 8/31/2016 Application for Federal Assistance SF -424 * 1. Type of Submission: Preapplication Application * 2. Type of Application: " If Revision, select appropriate letter(s): New Continuation Revision * Other (Specify): ►�� Application Changed/Corrected * 3. Date Received: 4. Applicant Identifier: 5a. Federal Entity Identifier: 5b. Federal Award Identifier: State Use Only: 6. Date Received by 7. State Application Identifier: State: 8. APPLICANT INFORMATION: * a. Legal Name: City of Dubuque, IA * b. Employer/Taxpayer Identification Number (EIN/TIN): * c. Organizational DUNS: 926009596 0931053020000 d. Address: *Street/: Street2: • City: County/Parish: ' State: Province: *Country: * Zip / Postal Code: 50 West 13th Street Dubuque IA: Iowa USA: UNITED STATES 52001-4805 e. Organizational Unit: Department Name: Division Name: f. Name and contact information of person to be contacted on matters involving this application: Prefix: Middle Name: • Last Name: Suffix: * First Name: Teri Goodmann Title: Assistant City Manager Organizational Affiliation: ' Telephone Number: 563-589-4110 Fax Number: • Email: tgoodman@cityofdubuque.org Application for Federal Assistance SF -424 * 9. Type of Applicant 1: Select Applicant Type: C: City or Township Government Type of Applicant 2: Select Applicant Type: Type of Applicant 3: Select Applicant Type: ' Other (specify): * 10. Name of Federal Agency: National Park Service 11. Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number: CFDA Title: " 12. Funding Opportunity Number: P16AS00065 ' Title: Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership Program 13. Competition Identification Number: Title: 14. Areas Affected by Project (Cities, Counties, States, etc.): Add Attachment Delete Attachment View Attachment " 15. Descriptive Title of Applicant's Project: Comiskey Park Attach supporting documents as specified in agency instructions. Add Attachments 1 Application for Federal Assistance SF -424 16. Congressional * a. Applicant Districts Of: IA -001 ' b. Program/Project IA -001 Attach an additional list of Program/Project Congressional Districts if needed. Add Attachment ::e iet:: Atta Thrn nt I View Attachment 17. Proposed ' a. Start Date: Project: 09/01/2016 *b. End Date: 08/31/2018 18. Estimated Funding ($): ' a. Federal * b. Applicant ' c. State ' d. Local * e. Other *f. Program Income *g. TOTAL 508, 000.00 539, 000.00 174, 000.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 1,216,000.00 * 19. Is Application a. This application Subject to Review By State Under Executive Order 12372 Process? was made available to the State under the Executive Order 12372 Process for review on is subject to E.O. 12372 but has not been selected by the State for review. is not covered by E.O. 12372. • ►� b. Program c. Program " 20. Is the Applicant Yes If "Yes", provide Delinquent On Any Federal Debt? (If "Yes," provide explanation in attachment.) No explanation and attach Add Attacnmant Q„iete Attachment Vies. Attachment 21. *By signing herein are true, comply with any subject me to this application, I certify (1) to the statements contained in the list of certifications** and (2) that the statements complete and accurate to the best of my knowledge. I also provide the required assurances** and agree to resulting terms if 1 accept an award. I am aware that any false, fictitious, or fraudulent statements or claims may criminal, civil, or administrative penalties. (U.S. Code, Title 218, Section 1001) and assurances, or an intemet site where you may obtain this list, is contained in the announcement or agency ►� ** I AGREE *' The list of certifications specific instructions. Authorized Representative: Prefix: Middle Name: * Last Name: Suffix: * First Name: Teri Goodmann 'Title: Assistant City Manager ' Telephone Number: 563-589-9110 Fax Number: * Email: tgooclman@cityofdubuque.org ' Signature ofAuthorized Representative: * Date Signed: 05/10/9016 OMB Number: 4040-0008 Expiration Date: 06/30/2014 BUDGET INFORMATION - Construction Programs NOTE: Certain Federal assistance programs require additional computations to arrive at the Federal share of project costs eligible for participation. If such is the case, you will be notified. COST CLASSIFICATION a. Total Cost b. Costs Not Allowable for Participation c. Total Allowable Costs (Columns a -b) 1. Administrative and legal expenses 0.00 $ 0.00 $ 0.00 2. Land, structures, rights-of-way, appraisals, etc. 120,000.00 0.00 $ 120,000.00 3. Relocation expenses and payments 0.00 0.00 $ 0.00 4. Architectural and engineering fees 0.00 $ 0.00 $ 0.00 5. Other architectural and engineering fees 0.00 6. Project inspection fees 0.00 0.00 0.00 $ 0.00 7. Site work 0.00 0.00 0.00 8. Demolition and removal 0.00 0.00 $ 0.00 9. Construction 1,016,000.00 0.00 1,016,000.00 10. Equipment 0.00 0.00 $ 0.00 11. Miscellaneous $ 80,000.00 $ 0.001 $ L___ 80,000.00 12. SUBTOTAL (sum of lines 1-11) 1,216,000.00 0.-(7)-( 1) 13. Contingencies 0.00 0.00 $ 0.00 14. SUBTOTAL 1,216,000.00 0.00 $ 1,216,000.00 15. Project (program) income 0.00 0.00 $ 0.00 16. TOTAL PROJECT COSTS (subtract #15 from #14) 1,216,000.00 $ 0.00 $ 1,216,000.00 FEDERAL FUNDING 17. Federal assistance requested, calculate as follows: (Consult Federal agency for Federal percentage share.) Enter eligible costs from line 16c Multiply X 41.8' Enter the resulting Federal share. $ 50S ,004.40 ASSURANCES - CONSTRUCTION PROGRAMS OMB Number: 4040-0009 Expiration Date: 06/30/2014 Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 15 minutes per response, including time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information. Send comments regarding the burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to the Office of Management and Budget, Paperwork Reduction Project (0348-0042), Washington, DC 20503. PLEASE DO NOT RETURN YOUR COMPLETED FORM TO THE OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET. SEND IT TO THE ADDRESS PROVIDED BY THE SPONSORING AGENCY. NOTE: Certain of these assurances may not be applicable to your project or program. If you have questions, please contact the Awarding Agency. Further, certain Federal assistance awarding agencies may require applicants to certify to additional assurances. If such is the case, you will be notified. As the duly authorized representative of the applicant:, I certify that the applicant: 1. Has the legal authority to apply for Federal assistance, and the institutional, managerial and financial capability (including funds sufficient to pay the non -Federal share of project costs) to ensure proper planning, management and completion of project described in this application. 2. Will give the awarding agency, the Comptroller General of the United States and, if appropriate, the State, the right to examine all records, books, papers, or documents related to the assistance; and will establish a proper accounting system in accordance with generally accepted accounting standards or agency directives. 3. Will not dispose of, modify the use of, or change the terms of the real property title or other interest in the site and facilities without permission and instructions from the awarding agency. Will record the Federal awarding agency directives and will include a covenant in the title of real property acquired in whole or in part with Federal assistance funds to assure non- discrimination during the useful life of the project. 4. Will comply with the requirements of the assistance awarding agency with regard to the drafting, review and approval of construction plans and specifications. 5. Will provide and maintain competent and adequate engineering supervision at the construction site to ensure that the complete work conforms with the approved plans and specifications and will furnish progressive reports and such other information as may be required by the assistance awarding agency or State. 6. Will initiate and complete the work within the applicable time frame after receipt of approval of the awarding agency. 7. Will establish safeguards to prohibit employees from using their positions for a purpose that constitutes or presents the appearance of personal or organizational conflict of interest, or personal gain. Previous Edition Usable 8. Will comply with the Intergovernmental Personnel Act of 1970 (42 U.S.C. §§4728-4763) relating to prescribed standards of merit systems for programs funded under one of the 19 statutes or regulations specified in Appendix A of OPM's Standards for a Merit System of Personnel Administration (5 C.F.R. 900, Subpart F). 9. Will comply with the Lead -Based Paint Poisoning Prevention Act (42 U.S.C. §§4801 et seq.) which prohibits the use of lead-based paint in construction or rehabilitation of residence structures. 10. Will comply with all Federal statutes relating to non- discrimination. These include but are not limited to: (a) Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (P.L. 88-352) which prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color or national origin; (b) Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, as amended (20 U.S.C. §§1681 1683, and 1685-1686), which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex; (c) Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended (29) U.S.C. §794), which prohibits discrimination on the basis of handicaps; (d) the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, as amended (42 U.S.C. §§6101-6107), which prohibits discrimination on the basis of age; (e) the Drug Abuse Office and Treatment Act of 1972 (P.L. 92-255), as amended relating to nondiscrimination on the basis of drug abuse; (f) the Comprehensive Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Prevention, Treatment and Rehabilitation Act of 1970 (P.L. 91-616), as amended, relating to nondiscrimination on the basis of alcohol abuse or alcoholism; (g) §§523 and 527 of the Public Health Service Act of 1912 (42 U.S.C. §§290 dd-3 and 290 ee 3), as amended, relating to confidentiality of alcohol and drug abuse patient records; (h) Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. §§3601 et seq.), as amended, relating to nondiscrimination in the sale, rental or financing of housing; (i) any other nondiscrimination provisions in the specific statue(s) under which application for Federal assistance is being made; and (j) the requirements of any other nondiscrimination statue(s) which may apply to the application. Authorized for Local Reproduction Standard Form 424D (Rev. 7-97) Prescribed by OMB Circular A-102 11. Will comply, or has already complied, with the requirements of Titles II and III of the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970 (P.L. 91-646) which provide for fair and equitable treatment of persons displaced or whose property is acquired as a result of Federal and federally -assisted programs. These requirements apply to all interests in real property acquired for project purposes regardless of Federal participation in purchases. 12. Will comply with the provisions of the Hatch Act (5 U.S.C. §§1501-1508 and 7324-7328) which limit the political activities of employees whose principal employment activities are funded in whole or in part with Federal funds. 13. Will comply, as applicable, with the provisions of the Davis - Bacon Act (40 U.S.C. §§276a to 276a-7), the Copeland Act (40 U.S.C. §276c and 18 U.S.C. §874), and the Contract Work Hours and Safety Standards Act (40 U.S.C. §§327- 333) regarding labor standards for federally -assisted construction subagreements. 14. Will comply with flood insurance purchase requirements of Section 102(a) of the Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973 (P.L. 93-234) which requires recipients in a special flood hazard area to participate in the program and to purchase flood insurance if the total cost of insurable construction and acquisition is $10,000 or more. 15. Will comply with environmental standards which may be prescribed pursuant to the following: (a) institution of environmental quality control measures under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (P.L. 91- 190) and Executive Order (EO) 11514; (b) notification of violating facilities pursuant to EO 11738; (c) protection of wetlands pursuant to EO 11990; (d) evaluation of flood hazards in floodplains in accordance with EO 11988; (e) assurance of project consistency with the approved State management program developed under the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 (16 U.S.C. §§1451 et seq.); (f) conformity of Federal actions to State (Clean Air) implementation Plans under Section 176(c) of the Clean Air Act of 1955, as amended (42 U.S.C. §§7401 et seq.); (g) protection of underground sources of drinking water under the Safe Drinking Water Act of 1974, as amended (P.L. 93-523); and, (h) protection of endangered species under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (P.L. 93-205). 16. Will comply with the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act of 1968 (16 U.S.C. §§1271 et seq.) related to protecting components or potential components of the national wild and scenic rivers system. 17. Will assist the awarding agency in assuring compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, as amended (16 U.S.C. §470), EO 11593 (identification and protection of historic properties), and the Archaeological and Historic Preservation Act of 1974 (16 U.S.C. §§469a-1 et seq). 18. Will cause to be performed the required financial and compliance audits in accordance with the Single Audit Act Amendments of 1996 and OMB Circular No. A-133, "Audits of States, Local Governments, and Non -Profit Organizations." 19. Will comply with all applicable requirements of all other Federal laws, executive orders, regulations, and policies governing this program. 20. Will comply with the requirements of Section 106(g) of the Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA) of 2000, as amended (22 U.S.C. 7104) which prohibits grant award recipients or a sub -recipient from (1) Engaging in severe forms of trafficking in persons during the period of time that the award is in effect (2) Procuring a commercial sex act during the period of time that the award is in effect or (3) Using forced labor in the performance of the award or subawards under the award. SIGNATURE OF AUTHORIZED ERTIFYING OFFICIAL TITLE 7LA....,d/ Assistant City Manager 7 APPLICANT ORGANIZATION DATE SUBMITTED City of Dubuque, IA 05/10/2016 SF -4240 (Rev. 7-97) Back Project Narrative Project Overview Street Address Comiskey Park is located at 255 E. 24th Street, Dubuque, Iowa, between Jackson and Washington Streets. Planned Physical Improvements Comiskey Park will be expanded from 3.74 to 5.69 acres. Preliminary input has indicated demand for a splash park, additional basketball courts, all- inclusive playground equipment, a "Safety Village" play area, shade structures, and more green space. Reason for New Development Comiskey Park is the only convenient outdoor space for Dubuque's historic Washington and North End Neighborhoods. These neighborhoods are characterized by older building stock and a mix of densely developed commercial and residential structures built on small lots served by alleys. 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. Existing amenities (playground equipment, skate park, tennis court, basketball courts, softball field, soccer goals, community center) are overused and do not meet current recreation demands. The City of Dubuque recently purchased an adjacent 1.95 acre parcel to expand Comiskey Park. Expansion efforts will increase recreation access, enhance quality of life and improve health outcomes for Dubuque's disadvantaged households. Constraints Expansion of Comiskey Park enjoys wide neighborhood and political support. Demolition of the buildings located on the acquired property has commenced, and will be complete by June 2016. There are no constraints to new development at Comiskey Park. Current Status of Planning A formal community planning process has commenced. This planning effort will be used to configure new development within the expanded Comiskey Park. Public engagement will help the City identify residents' interests and desired uses of the park. Key questions include: • What do people want to use the park for? • What will Comiskey Park look like design -wise? • How will residents help keep Comiskey Park alive with ongoing programming? • What volunteer opportunities will exist? • How can community ownership of Comiskey Park be fostered? • What are the residents' expectations for the City? Outreach will involve multiple channels — focus groups, surveys, fairs, movie nights, existing programming. Families with kids attending the two nearby elementary schools will also be involved. Planning will wrap up in September 2016. Page 1 1 Project Narrative Timeframe for Project Completion Construction will commence at Comiskey Park in Spring 2017, and conclude by summer 2018. Existing amenities will remain open during construction. New improvements will be scheduled to open for public outdoor recreation use in August 2018. Evaluation Elements Improving Physical and Recreational Access and Addressing Recreational Deficiencies Comiskey Park is the only available outdoor recreation space for the low-income Washington and North End Neighborhoods (see map below). Families in Dubuque County Census Tracts 1, 3, 4, 5, and 6 are economically distressed. Median household incomes range from $31,452 (Census Tract 5) to $41,868 (Census Tract 6), below the national and state levels of $53,482 and $52,716, respectively. Poverty is as high as 31.2% (Census Tract 5) in the surrounding area. Residents near Comiskey Park also suffer from poor mobility; approximately 25% of workers 16 years and older in Census Tract 5 have no access to a vehicle. Comiskey Park is heavily used by neighborhood residents. Existing amenities include playground equipment, a skate park, a tennis court, basketball courts, a softball field, soccer goals, and a community center. Long waits occur frequently for people seeking to use the facilities. A number of free programs are scheduled year-round in the park, open to all age groups across the entire community. Regular programming includes: • During the summer months, the Dubuque Pony League partners with the Dream Center to utilize the ball field for practices and games, offering a free opportunity for African-American children to participate in organized baseball. • With support from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's (HUD) Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds, Dubuque's Leisure Services Department offers a Summer Basketball League at the park that serves over 50 African-American adult participants and attracts hundreds of spectators. • Dubuque Rugby has partnered with the City to offer free clinics for low- income youth in the neighborhood. • Dubuque offers a free summer playground adventures program as Pltmrsg lij7rR ..r. lei ENRy -+ r.ri ill _EOWutpg 1 Existing Land Use A.r. 44; 4 n r .1 _r r3_ • ., ify iCTY i_� a Legend Land Use Sllglekto Family Multnfamey - MCI Rekidential - Commercwl bike - elitlteeonal 4yN mdueblel MI Heavy lnduebial Perk - Open Space Vacant Ryle, ® See Sundt Cleek Reetalatan P,gedAlea Page 1 2 Project Narrative well as Playground Explorations that focus on continued learning in the areas of science, technology, engineering, art and music, math, reading, and writing. The program provides free breakfast, lunch and dinner. Over 100 youth ages 6 to 14 (primarily African-American and Hispanic kids) are engaged each summer. • The park is also utilized for family activities that include events such as movies in the park, Juneteenth Day Celebration, National Night Out, and Boy Scout and Girl Scout outings. At 3.74 acres, Comiskey Park's small size relative to the densely -populated area that it serves (up to 8,180.8 people per square mile in Census Tract 5) creates competing demands among users. Comiskey Park is the only green space close to these residents' homes; no other parks are located with 0.5 miles or a 10 minute walk. Comiskey Park's amenities are also not comparable to other parks in the jurisdiction, and do not adequately serve community needs. Strong demand for play areas in the neighborhoods surrounding Comiskey Park led the City to acquire the adjacent 1.95 acre parcel in early 2016. The first phase will expand Comiskey Park's footprint to 5.69 acres. Four buildings located on the recently acquired parcel are currently being removed; deconstruction will be complete in June 2016. Dubuque's Leisure Services Department has conducted outreach with residents to determine which types of new development are desired within the expanded Comiskey Park. Preliminary input has indicated demand for a splash park (Dubuque's first), additional basketball courts, all-inclusive playground equipment, a "Safety Village" play area, shade structures, and more green space. This new development will provide fresh recreational opportunities, as well as relieve pressure on existing facilities within Comiskey Park. Comiskey Park improvements also leverage two critical community projects: • The Heritage Trail is a 26 -mile long multi -use rail trail connecting Dubuque and Dyersville, Iowa. It was converted from a segment of the former Chicago Great Western railroad line between Chicago and Oelwein, Iowa. The trail's smooth, compacted limestone surface is ideal for bicycling. Dubuque has developed municipal on -street and off-road routes that connect with the Heritage Trail. Comiskey Park is the trailhead for Dubuque residents seeking access to the Heritage Trail. • Comiskey Park expansion also leverages Dubuque's effort to "daylight" the nearby Bee Branch Creek. The Bee Branch Watershed Flood Mitigation project will reduce the risk of flood damage to 1,373 properties in the area in part by restoring approximately 7,700 feet of the Bee Branch Creek, which was buried in a storm sewer to make more land available for residential development. Since that time, several floods have occurred in the area and Page 13 Project Narrative the existing stormwater management infrastructure has not been capable of handling large rain events. In addition to serving as green infrastructure, the Bee Branch Creek project will create a community attraction for residents and visitors, improve the quality of life for neighborhood residents, serve as a catalyst for economic development, and positively impact property values. The project includes the creation of a passive linear park along the open waterway with amenities including an amphitheater, bike/hike trails, bridges, lighting, and landscaping. The Bee Branch project has been divided into two phases. The Lower Bee Branch Creek restoration was completed in 2011. The Upper Bee Branch Creek restoration, which terminates at Washington Street near Comiskey Park, is scheduled for completion in 2017. People traveling the Bee Branch Creek trails will be able to easily access recreational opportunities at Comiskey Park. Improving Recreation Service to Priority Target Groups Revitalization efforts include expanding Comiskey Park, daylighting the buried Bee Branch Creek, and installing green infrastructure to reduce the risk of flood damage to 1,373 properties in the Bee Branch Watershed. Proposed improvements will serve the low-income residents of the Washington and North End Neighborhoods. These struggling households have limited access to recreational opportunities in the Dubuque area. Comiskey Park is the most convenient green space available to residents with mobility challenges. Dubuque's Washington Neighborhood is one of the city's oldest and most -challenged communities. The low-income Washington Neighborhood is bordered by 11th Street on the south, Central Avenue on the west, 22nd Street on the north, and Elm Street on the east. In 2004, the City and the Washington Neighborhood Association initiated the "Washington: Revitalize!" improvement program, which led to the creation of the Washington Neighborhood Plan. This Plan addresses both physical improvements to create a better environment for economic investment, and programs necessary to provide less -advantaged citizens with the capacity to "access the ladder of economic opportunity that leads out of poverty." Improved access to green space and recreational opportunities was prioritized in the plan. The City has launched a major Washington Neighborhood revitalization initiative to improve the quality of life of its residents. Dubuque's North End Neighborhood is similarly disadvantaged. The area was first settled in the late 19th century by working-class German immigrants. The North End is roughly defined, but generally includes all of the territory north of 17`h Street, and east of North Grandview Avenue and Kaufmann Avenue. Today, the area still retains its working-class roots, and is home to some of the largest factories operating in Dubuque. According the U.S. Census Bureau, the area surrounding Comiskey Park is disproportionately minority and low-income. Minority rates in Census Tracts 1 and 5 (park location) are 30.7% and 25.2%, respectively, compared to 9.5% in Dubuque and 12.2% across the state. Poverty ranges from 19.6% in Census Tract 6 up to 32.1% in Census Tract 1, compared to the Iowa rate of 12.6% Page 1 4 Project Narrative and the national poverty level of 15.6%. Median household incomes are low (as little as $23,109 in Census Tract 1, compared to $52,482 nationwide) and unemployment is elevated (7.5% in Census Tract 5). A high percentage of residents living near Comiskey Park rely upon Food Stamps and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits (32.2% in Census Tract 5, nearly three times higher than the 12.7% citywide rate). Significant numbers of residents also do not have access to a vehicle (30.1% in Census Tract 1), and thus are limited in their ability to access outdoor recreation space outside the neighborhood. Mobility is also impaired for a sizable population of disabled residents (nearly 25% in Census Tract 4). Source: 2010-2014 American Community Survey 5 -Year Estimates The community is impacted by brownfields, flooding and other environmental justice concerns. Enhancements at Comiskey Park will improve health outcomes for vulnerable residents. A health needs assessment conducted by the City identified the neighborhoods surrounding Comiskey Park - designated as a Medically Underserved Area by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) - as "high risk." Active recreational opportunities will help Dubuque prevent obesity and diabetes for at -risk populations. Proposed recreational opportunities at Comiskey Park are targeted to particular age groups in Dubuque. The Washington and North End Neighborhoods have significant populations of children under 5 years old and between 5 and 9 years old. The recommended splash park (a first for Dubuque) will appeal to this demographic. Shade structures and green space also resonate with families with small children, as well as the area's noteworthy senior population. United States Iowa Dubuque Census Tract 1 Census Tract 4 Census Tract 5 Census Tract 6 Minority 37.2% 12.2% 9.5% 30.7% 8.4% 25.2% 14.3% Poverty 15.6% 12.6% 14.8% 32.1% 23.1% 31.2% 19.6% Unemployed 5.8% 3.7% 4.1% 4.9% 5.7% 7.5% 7.1% Median Household Income $53,482 $52,716 $46,806 $23,109 $37,404 $31,452 $41,868 Food Stamps/ SNAP Benefits 13.0% 11.6% 12.7% 29.2% 15.1% 32.2% 26.4% Renter- Occupied Housing 35.6% 28.2% 35.8% 87.8% 32.7% 50.4% 37.4% No Vehicle 9.1% 5.7% 8.9% 30.1% 11.4% 24.5% 14.8% Disability 12.3% 11.4% 18.0% 16.7% 24.8% 17.5% 13.1% Source: 2010-2014 American Community Survey 5 -Year Estimates The community is impacted by brownfields, flooding and other environmental justice concerns. Enhancements at Comiskey Park will improve health outcomes for vulnerable residents. A health needs assessment conducted by the City identified the neighborhoods surrounding Comiskey Park - designated as a Medically Underserved Area by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) - as "high risk." Active recreational opportunities will help Dubuque prevent obesity and diabetes for at -risk populations. Proposed recreational opportunities at Comiskey Park are targeted to particular age groups in Dubuque. The Washington and North End Neighborhoods have significant populations of children under 5 years old and between 5 and 9 years old. The recommended splash park (a first for Dubuque) will appeal to this demographic. Shade structures and green space also resonate with families with small children, as well as the area's noteworthy senior population. Source: 2010-2014 American Community Survey 5 -Year Estimates Page 1 5 United States Iowa Dubuque Census Tract 1 Census Tract 4 Census Tract 5 Census Tract 6 Kids Under 5 Years Old 6.4% 6.4% 5.9% 7.4% 6.3% 6.8% 9.4% Kids 5 to 9 Years Old 6.5% 6.6% 5.9% 4.5% 5.7% 8.8% 7.5% Adults 75 Years and Older 6.1% 7.5% 9.2% 4.3% 19.8% 5.0% 3.4% Source: 2010-2014 American Community Survey 5 -Year Estimates Page 1 5 Project Narrative Finally, Comiskey Park is located near two elementary schools with limited outdoor play areas. Enhancing this community attraction will provide nearby students with opportunities for outdoor learning and recreation after school. Project Engagement and Participation Community and political support is strong for improving Comiskey Park. Land was acquired to expand Comiskey Park in early 2016 with strong neighborhood backing and full approval of the City Council. A community engagement process already has commenced to determine the types and placement of amenities in the expanded park. That outreach will continue through the summer, when a draft plan and design will be released. Dubuque will use multiple communication channels to connect with interested stakeholders — focus groups, surveys, fairs, movie nights, and existing programming. The goal of these efforts will be to solicit feedback on residents' interests and desired uses of the park. Specifically, the City seeks input on the design of Comiskey Park; ongoing programming needs; and volunteer opportunities to manage and maintain the space. Robust community engagement will foster community ownership of Comiskey Park, and help the City better understand residents' expectations. Only after the community engagement will a final design be approved. Multiple partners will help to ensure project success. Key organizations include: • The Multicultural Family Center, located within walking distance of the project area, helps to empower community members and build unity out of diversity. The organization sponsors programs that promote long-term learning and celebrate different cultures. Many of its patrons and program participants live and work in the neighborhoods surrounding Comiskey Park. The Multicultural Family Center will support Comiskey Park expansion by helping the City connect youth with outdoor recreation experiences. • The North End Neighborhood Association was established in 1992 to work for the betterment of neighborhood residents. Comiskey Park has been the home base for the North End Neighborhood. The group meets monthly at the Comiskey Community Building, holds virtually all of their community events at the park, and have been long involved in the planning for both park improvements and programming decisions for the park. • Crescent Community Health Center is a Federally Qualified Health Center which provides primary medical and dental care to individuals and families who are uninsured and underinsured in the Washington and North End Neighborhoods. The clinic understands that the proposed project will provide opportunities for healthy lifestyle choices for its clients and other underserved populations, and will actively plan outdoor activities (e.g., yoga, Tai chi) at Comiskey Park for patients and neighborhood residents. • The Dubuque Community School District serves over 10,500 students in 18 schools and an Alternative Learning Center. Two elementary schools are within the project area. The Dubuque Community School District will engage in the design and implementation of Comiskey Park improvements, and will seek opportunities to use the space for outdoor classroom learning and after-school activities. • The Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque is a tax-exempt public charity that provides critical support for local projects. Expansion of Comiskey Park will compliment Page 1 6 Project Narrative many of its ongoing initiatives that impact low-income, underserved communities. The foundation will actively participate in gathering community feedback on Comiskey Park's design. • The Greater Dubuque Development Corporation is a non-profit economic development organization focused on business retention and expansion, workforce development, and new business recruitment. The organization has provided important leadership in all major City initiatives, and will help to sponsor ongoing programming at Comiskey Park. Innovation and Transformative Attributes Revitalization of Comiskey Park will help transform the Washington and North End Neighborhoods. The City is already engaged with residents in high -impact projects that enhance quality of life, improve health outcomes and spur economic development. New recreational features at Comiskey Park will support these efforts, and help provide a ladder of opportunity for Dubuque's struggling households. National Park Service (NPS) support will leverage Dubuque's efforts to reduce the risk of harmful environmental contamination. The city's proximity to a major commercial waterway made the area convenient for a variety of industrial uses, including shipbuilding and repair, railroads, bulk petroleum and coal storage operations, food processing, farm machinery production, and lead mining activity. Manufacturing reigned in Dubuque until the mid -1900s. Some of Dubuque's largest factories still operate in the North End. In 2013, Dubuque was awarded a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Brownfields Assessment Grant to begin cleanup efforts at polluted sites near Comiskey Park. Already, the City has identified properties for remediation. Improved recreational opportunities at Comiskey Park will support mixed-use redevelopment. Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership resources will improve conditions for Washington and North End residents who have been victims of repeated flood disasters. Between 1999 and 2011, six Presidential Disaster Declarations were issued with total damage estimates of almost $70 million. While land values have increased across Dubuque, the neighborhoods surrounding Comiskey Park have seen steadily declining property assessments. Comiskey Park expansion, in conjunction with the Bee Branch Creek restoration project (daylighting of nearby buried creek), will serve as critical green infrastructure, reducing the volume of stormwater runoff. Improved outdoor recreational opportunities also benefit the targeted low-income audience of HUD's National Disaster Resilience Competition award. Dubuque is receiving $31.5 million to support its Green & Healthy Homes Initiative, which will assist Bee Branch Watershed homeowners in repairing and "flood -proofing" their homes. New Comiskey Park amenities will improve quality of life for these Washington and North End Neighborhood residents. Page 17 Project Narrative An innovative and novel feature of the proposed improvements is the addition of Dubuque's first splash park. Splash parks have proven successful in communities nationwide — they eliminate the drowning hazards of a swimming pool, the falling risks of a playground, and are not prohibitively expensive to build and maintain. Neighborhood residents have ranked a splash park highly among their recreation needs. A splash park at Comiskey Park would serve neighborhood residents, and create a draw for kids across the city. Other unique features include the all-inclusive playground equipment and the "Safety Village" play area. The new all-inclusive playground will provide opportunities for kids and families of all abilities to learn, play and grow together. Comiskey Park's playground equipment will help children further develop physical, cognitive, sensory and social skills. The "Safety Village" will provide a miniature -scale cityscape where kids can learn important safety concepts to prevent childhood accidents and injuries. The replica city will include small buildings with paved streets, sidewalks, traffic lights and signs, and a railroad crossing. Children will learn how to practice safety through hands-on exercises, role-playing activities, and other participatory techniques. Project's Alignment with SCORP and Other Applicable Plans New development at Comiskey Park is in alignment with Iowa's Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP): SCORP Priorities and Goals Comiskey Park Alignment PRIORITY 1: Address funding challenges as they relate to growing healthy and sustainable opportunities in outdoor recreation and open spaces for Iowa Goal 1: Promote the contribution of natural resource recreation and conservation to the economic vitality and quality of life for Iowans. Washington and North End Neighborhood residents have limited opportunities to connect with nature and green space. Park expansion will improve quality of life and support economic development in these underprivileged areas. Goal 2: Ascertain funding opportunities available for consistent and long-term financial support to meet the demands of outdoor recreation and conservation that are mutually beneficial to government agencies, the private sector and user groups. NPS support will help meet Dubuque's and the State of Iowa's recreation goals. The City is committed to the long-term maintenance and programming of Comiskey Park. Page 1 8 Project Narrative PRIORITY 2: Create places to go in Iowa that exemplify best practices in natural resource conservation while providing a variety of opportunities for outdoor recreation Goal 2: Encourage public agencies and local governments to protect the parks and natural areas within their jurisdiction, limiting resale of public lands and open spaces for other non - outdoor recreation or non -open space development. Comiskey Park is the only green space available to low-income families in the Washington and North End Neighborhoods with mobility challenges (approximately 25% of workers 16 years and older in Census Tract 5 have no access to a vehicle). Dubuque seeks to expand this park area to meet growing outdoor recreation demands. Goal 4: Provide high-quality, safe and affordable recreational opportunities that meet the demands, needs and diversity of experiences Iowans desire. Comiskey Park serve low-income, diverse neighborhoods in Dubuque. Proposed improvements have been recommended by targeted residents. PRIORITY 3: Encourage collaboration and planning efforts to advance outdoor recreation Goal 1: Invest in sound local and regional planning, including the integration of outdoor recreation, health and natural resources conservation and protection, as well as to provide a comprehensive and diverse vision. Dubuque is undergoing a comprehensive planning effort this summer to configure new development within the expanded Comiskey Park. Goal 2: Provide seamless delivery of outdoor recreation from all recreation providers encouraging private -public partnerships that share a common vision for high-quality, sustainable and resource benefitting opportunities. Multiple partners are involved in Comiskey Park's revitalization, including the City, the community foundation, the school district, a health care provider, and the business community. PRIORITY 4: Promote outdoor recreation as a means to achieve a healthier lifestyle, enhancing the quality of life for all Iowans Goal 1: Link outdoor recreation and participation to desired wellness and public health benefits. Improved health outcomes are a critical project goal, particularly because the neighborhoods surrounding Comiskey Park are designated as a Medically Underserved Area by HRSA and "high risk" by a community health needs assessment. PRIORITY 5: Better understand Iowans' outdoor recreation wants and needs, and develop effective tools that connect them to Iowa's natural resource opportunities, based on their unique demographics and interests Goal 2: Using a multi -faceted approach (formal and informal educational processes), promote youth participation in the outdoors striving for a greater understanding, appreciation and use of Iowa's resources. Various programming will occur at Comiskey Park, including youth sports, toddler play areas, environmental education, and exercise (e.g., yoga, Tai chi). In addition, the project supports the City Sustainability Plan's goal to create additional green space, as well as the 2012 Comprehensive Plan's vision to enhance existing parks. Project Readiness Following acquisition of Comiskey Park's adjacent 1.95 acre parcel, the City commenced planning efforts to determine residents' interests and desired uses of the park. This planning effort, involving Page 1 9 Project Narrative focus groups, surveys, fairs, movie nights, and existing programming, will be complete this September 2016. Planning will continue through the summer, when a draft plan and design will be released. Additional feedback on conceptual plans will be gathered over the winter of 2016, and a final plan created by early 2017. Construction will commence at Comiskey Park in Spring 2017, and conclude by summer 2018. Existing amenities will remain open during construction. New improvements will be scheduled to open for public use in August 2018. Key project milestones include: • May -August 2016 — Comprehensive planning effort • September 2016 — Conceptual plan • March 2017 — Final plan and specifications • April 2017 — Commence construction • July 2018 — Construction completes • August 2018 — Opening of Comiskey Park improvements Applicant and Partner Capacity Dubuque has budgeted the match for the Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership grant. Matching funds will be available upon project award. The City has an effective record of conducting projects on-time and on -budget. Key to this effort is the development of a detailed work plan with clear milestones and responsibilities. A project manager will be designated who has experience managing federal funding and who will ensure that all grant requirements are followed. Dubuque has an exemplary record of managing federal grants, having received numerous EPA, HUD, DOT, and other federal grants. The City has never been cited for any adverse audit findings from an OMB Circular A-133 audit or any other audit. Dubuque has also never been required to comply with special "high risk" terms or conditions under OMB Circular A-102. Successes with past Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) grants include: • The Mines of Spain State Recreation Area comprises 1,440 acres of forest and prairie along the Mississippi River. The E.B. Lyons Interpretive Center serves as the visitor center and park offices. The facility is owned by the City of Dubuque and managed by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. Specifically, the City received: o LWCF grant # 19-00421A to acquire 30 acres for Lyons Park, which became the E.B. Lyons Interpretive Area o LWCF grants # 19-01269 and # 19-01272 for the E.B. Lyons Interpretive Center expansion o LWCF grant # 19-01291 to acquire and develop 52 acres for the Interpretive Area • Avon Park Development — LWCF grant # 19-00746D • Chaplain Schmitt Memorial Park — LWCF grant # 19-01065D Dubuque's Leisure Services Department will be responsible for ongoing programming, management and maintenance at Comiskey Park. Page 1 10 Budget Narrative Viability and Reasonableness of the Project's Budget See below for the proposed budget of new development at the expanded Comiskey Park: Budget Category Cost LWCF Request Match / Source of Funding Acquisition of 1.95 Acres Adjacent to Comiskey Park $120,000.00 $0.00 $120,000.00 State Flood Mitigation Sales Tax Increment / Donation Community Engagement and Design $80,000.00 $0.00 $80,000.00 State Flood Mitigation Sales Tax Increment All -Inclusive Play Structure $400,000.00 $400,000.00 $0.00 Splash Pad $375,000.00 $108,000.00 $267,000.00 City of Dubuque Sales Tax Basketball Court Upgrade $47,000.00 $0.00 $47,000.00 City of Dubuque Sales Tax Ballfield Upgrade $20,000.00 $0.00 $20,000.00 City of Dubuque Sales Tax 1.95 Acre Expansion (Remove Washington Street, Remove Chainlink Fence, Fill / Top soil) $90,000.00 $0.00 $90,000.00 State Flood Mitigation Sales Tax Increment Multi -Use Safety Village / Miniature Streets & Signs / Parking Area $50,000.00 $0.00 $50,000.00 State Flood Mitigation Sales Tax Increment Lighting and Security $10,000.00 $0.00 $10,000.00 State Flood Mitigation Sales Tax Increment Trees $14,000.00 $0.00 $14,000.00 State Flood Mitigation Sales Tax Increment Grass Seed/Sod for Green Space $10,000.00 $0.00 $10,000.00 State Flood Mitigation Sales Tax Increment Total $1,216,000.00 $508,000.00 $708,000.00 Dubuque's cash contribution exceeds the 1:1 requirements for the Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership. The LWCF grant will represent 41.8% of the total project cost. Unquantified is the contribution of in-kind time from key partners. Budget Narrative Dubuque will be completing an extensive community outreach to engage the public in the park design and master plan development. The budget reflects initial input from the community; however the City of Dubuque will allow the residents to re -allocate funding from one line item to another should their input suggest a greater need for realignment of the ball field, less/more play equipment, larger splash pad, or other such input that would require a shifting of the budget above. Public input and design will be completed by September of 2016. Partner Support and Leveraging Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership funds will be matched with more than 1:1 of cash and in-kind time for the proposed improvements at Comiskey Park. Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership resources will be matched with $708,000 of local and state dollars (including the value of acquired land). Beyond cash, a number of community partners are contributing in-kind time to support the project. This time will help support outreach efforts, design input, and other assistance. Participating stakeholders include: • The Multicultural Family Center, located within walking distance of the project area, helps to empower community members and build unity out of diversity. The organization sponsors programs that promote long-term learning and celebrate different cultures. Many of its patrons and program participants live and work in the neighborhoods surrounding Comiskey Park. The Multicultural Family Center will support Comiskey Park expansion by helping the City connect youth with outdoor recreation experiences. • The North End Neighborhood Association was established in 1992 to work for the betterment of neighborhood residents. Comiskey Park has been the home base for the North End Neighborhood. The group meets monthly at the Comiskey Community Building, holds virtually all of their community events at the park, and have been long involved in the planning for both park improvements and programming decisions for the park. • Crescent Community Health Center is a Federally Qualified Health Center which provides primary medical and dental care to individuals and families who are uninsured and underinsured in the Washington and North End Neighborhoods. The clinic understands that the proposed project will provide opportunities for healthy lifestyle choices for its clients and other underserved populations, and will actively plan outdoor activities (e.g., yoga, Tai chi) at Comiskey Park for patients and neighborhood residents. • The Dubuque Community School District serves over 10,500 students in 18 schools and an Alternative Learning Center. Two elementary schools are within the project area. The Dubuque Community School District will engage in the design and implementation of Comiskey Park improvements, and will seek opportunities to use the space for outdoor classroom learning and after-school activities. • The Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque is a tax-exempt public charity that provides critical support for local projects. Expansion of Comiskey Park will compliment many of its ongoing initiatives that impact low-income, underserved communities. The foundation will actively participate in gathering community feedback on Comiskey Park's design. • The Greater Dubuque Development Corporation is a non-profit economic development organization focused on business retention and expansion, workforce development, and new business recruitment. The organization has provided important leadership in all major City initiatives, and will help to sponsor ongoing programming at Comiskey Park. Cramtv T.' Legal Description of Project Area LOTS 1 TO 46 INC BOULEVARD ADD & VAC ALLEY BTWN SAID LOTS, LOTS 13 THROUGH 17 O S LANGWORTHYS ADDITION, LOT 20 0 S LANGWORTHYS ADD 2434-2436 WASHINGTON, LOT 24 O S LANGWORTHYS ADD 2404-2406 WASHINGTON, N 1/2 LOT 18 O S LANGWORTHYS, N 1/2 LOT 19 O S LANGWORTHYS, N 1/2 LOT 21 OS LANGWORTHYS SUB, N 1/2 LOT 22 O5 LANGWORTHYS, S 1/2 LOT 18 0 S LANGWORTHYS, S 1/2 LOT 19 0 S LANGWORTHYS, S 1/2 21 OS LANGWORTHYS SUB, 51/2 LOT 22 & N 6' OF LOT 23 0 S LANGWORTHYS SUB, S 44' LOT 23 O S LANGWORTHYS, AND ALL PUBLIC RIGHT OF WAY OF WASHINGTON STREET BETWEEN SAID LOTS. r - • Map Prepared: May 9, 2016 Applicant Certification: ! City Manager Michael C Van Milligen r Y 1 inch = 125 feet ntE crrr Or Dubuque Mnskl'rpic€c 0;; the Mississippi Project Boundary Buildings Removed Since Photography was Collected s4:J Iff.,tarry$i ;jai r .11 ,1\.) ei• .` Legal Description of Project Area LOTS 1 TO 46 INC BOULEVARD ADD & VAC ALLEY BTWN SAID LOTS, LOTS 13 THROUGH 17 O S LANGWORTHYS ADDITION, LOT 20 0 S LANGWORTHYS ADD 2434-2436 WASHINGTON, LOT 24 0 5 LANGWORTHYS ADD 2404-2406 WASHINGTON, N 1/2 LOT 18 O S LANGWORTHYS, N 1/2 LOT 19 O S LANGWORTHYS, N 1/2 LOT 21 OS LANGWORTHYS SUB, N 1/2 LOT 22 OS LANGWORTHYS, S 1/2 LOT 18 0 S LANGWORTHYS, S 1/2 LOT 19 0 5 LANGWORTHYS, S 1/2 21 OS LANGWORTHYS SUB, S 1/2 LOT 22 & N 6' OF LOT 23 0 S LANGWORTHYS SUB, S 44' LOT 23 O S LANGWORTHYS, AND ALL PUBLIC RIGHT OF WAY OF WASHINGTON STREET BETWEEN SAID LOTS. { ••I Map Prepared: May 9, 2016 Applicant Certification: City Manager Michael C Van Milligen • r niECITY OF DUB ;blaslrTj+ici. Olt the A1ississiyyi Dubuque Project Boundary Baseball/Softball Field Basketball Court Pavilion K?4) Play Area Skate Park Area Tennis Court Buildings Removed Since Photography was Collected .i.. ;dames it r sir.' ` j J Pedestrian Entrance Basketball Courts Soccer/Football Picnic Area Tennis Court (Existing) Skate Pavilion (Existing) Area (Existing) I Baseball/Softball/Kickball AccessiblE 1 Pedestrian Entrance (ADA) Playground Parking (Existing) Vehicle Entrance Expanded Limits (5.69 AC) r1 0 2S EC 100Feet 411411111, JACKSON ST lef _ on 'iet. mow isitattommist zoom Am1 moil h ? rom& Pedestrian Entrance J ,J\Jtai jff1 j q i )f 1)11:) I I • I• r • IA Legal Description of Project Area LOTS 1 TO 46 INC BOULEVARD ADD & VAC ALLEY BTWN SAID LOTS, LOTS 13 THROUGH 17 O S LANGWORTHYS ADDITION, LOT 20 O S LANGWORTHYS ADD 2434-2436 WASHINGTON, LOT 24 O S LANGWORTHYS ADD 2404-2406 WASHINGTON, N 1/2 LOT 18 O S LANGWORTHYS, N 1/2 LOT 19 O S LANGWORTHYS, N 1/2 LOT 21 OS LANGWORTHYS SUB, N 1/2 LOT 22 OS LANGWORTHYS, S 1/2 LOT 18 0 S LANGWORTHYS, S 1/2 LOT 19 0 S LANGWORTHYS, S 1/2 21 OS LANGWORTHYS SUB, S 1/2 LOT 22 & N 6' OF LOT 23 0 S LANGWORTHYS SUB, S 44' LOT 23 O S LANGWORTHYS, AND ALL PUBLIC RIGHT OF WAY OF WASHINGTON STREET BETWEEN SAID LOTS. • • w Map Prepared: May 9, 2016 Applicant Certification: City Manager Michael C Van Milligen - THE CITY OF Dubuqur UUB / E �il�r Maaerprccc ur the Mi,:si<sippi �, ,�� •,� Project Boundary Existing Comiskey Park Area Property Added to Comiskey Park Street Vacated for Addition to Comiskey Park Buildings Removed Since Photography was Collected iP./hip Pr'Jj�.e,'r!JDr] f1 Fieri Iff1pi 72IIJ L-'fJ tai rJ�rl ,C r" f Project Location Legal Description of Project Area LOTS 1 TO 46 INC BOULEVARD ADD & VAC ALLEY BTWN SAID LOTS, LOTS 13 THROUGH 17 O S LANGWORTHYS ADDITION, LOT 20 O S LANGWORTHYS ADD 2434-2436 WASHINGTON, LOT 24 O S LANGWORTHYS ADD 2404-2406 WASHINGTON, N 1/2 LOT 18 O S LANGWORTHYS, N 1/2 LOT 19 O S LANGWORTHYS, N 1/2 LOT 21 OS LANGWORTHYS SUB, N 1/2 LOT 22 OS LANGWORTHYS, 51/2 LOT 18 O S LANGWORTHYS, 51/2 LOT 19 0 S LANGWORTHYS, 51/2 21 OS LANGWORTHYS SUB, S 1/2 LOT 22 & N 6' OF LOT 23 0 S LANGWORTHYS SUB, S 44' LOT 23 O S LANGWORTHYS, AND ALL PUBLIC RIGHT OF WAY OF WASHINGTON STREET BETWEEN SAID LOTS. D L.fQ11111 Map Prepared: May 9, 2016 Applicant Certification: City Manager Michael C Van Milligen Esri, HERE, DeLorme, Mapmylndia, © OpenStreetMap contributors, and the GIS user community �!JIIJ.1`./J=11J .Pr'JJ�rr ,rj r1 J.( ,c, P1airJ �rrJrJl�rrJ�r ...lrJJl r'ir► P "� f r i r � r J_IJ_I q 1 � J i Legal Description of Project Area LOTS 1 TO 46 INC BOULEVARD ADD & VAC ALLEY BTWN SAID LOTS, LOTS I3 THROUGH 17 0 S LANGWORTHYS ADDITION, LOT 20 0 S LANGWORTHYS ADD 2434-2436 WASHINGTON, LOT 24 0 S LANGWORTHYS ADD 2404-2406 WASHINGTON, N 1/2 LOT 18 0 S LANGWORTHYS, N 1/2 LOT 19 0 S LANGWORTHYS, N 1/2 LOT 21 OS LANGWORTHYS SUB, N 1/2 LOT 22 05 LANGWORTHYS, S 1/2 LOT 18 0 S LANGWORTHYS, 51/2 LOT 19 0 S LANGWORTHYS, S 1/2 21 OS LANGWORTHYS SUB, S 1/2 LOT 22 & N 6' OF LOT 23 0 S LANGWORTHYS SUB, S 44' LOT 23 0 5 LANGWORTHYS, AND ALL PUBLIC RIGHT OF WAY OF WASHINGTON STREET BETWEEN SAID LOTS. Project Location Map Prepared: May 9, 2016 Applicant Certification: City Manager Michael C Van Milligen bib V D1,4 UB NORTH Project Location Dubuque City Limits i e od th 6 us c on unit, ri L,., C'! Jtr'ar1 r ! a1r1 rJ 1J:-i:7,1�`v1;1;.p , , J " f772 ` P 1r i �`)J i.�� i �r' Phin lrr1 r�J !ri o rri raj rJ �r1 �JIr1J��_�� , 9f' lb !ULU?, 1 inch = 125 feet THGcITY or C. DUB Dubuque Masterpiece on the .V1ississippI ,1 411'1. Legal Description of Project Area LOTS 1 TO 46 INC BOULEVARD ADD & VAC ALLEY BTWN SAID LOTS, LOTS 13 THROUGH 17 0 S LANGWORTHYS ADDITION, LOT 20 0 S LANGWORTHYS ADD 2434-2436 WASHINGTON, LOT 24 0 5 LANGWORTHYS ADD 2404-2406 WASHINGTON, N 1/2 LOT 18 0 5 LANGWORTHYS, N 1/2 LOT 19 0 S LANGWORTHYS, N 1/2 LOT 21 OS LANGWORTHYS SUB, N 1/2 LOT 22 05 LANGWORTHYS, S 1/2 LOT 18 0 S LANGWORTHYS, S 1/2 LOT 19 0 S LANGWORTHYS, S 1/2 21 OS LANGWORTHYS SUB, S 1/2 LOT 22 & N 6' OF LOT 23 0 S LANGWORTHYS SUB, 5 44' LOT 23 0 S LANGWORTHYS, AND ALL PUBLIC RIGHT OF WAY OF WASHINGTON STREET BETWEEN SAID LOTS. ,I '1 Map Prepared: May 9, 2016 /� Applicant Certification: / �— City Manager Michael C Van Milligen Project Boundary Open Space Current Land Use Park Commercial Single Family Heavy Industrial Single Family/Duplex Institutional Vacant Multi -Family Buildings Removed Since Photography was Collected THE CITY OF Dui Masterpiece 011 the Mississippi Dubuque IteErtl Alt -America City '1111' 2007 • 2012 • 2013 The Honorable Chuck Gipp Director Iowa Department of Natural Resources Wallace State Office Building 502 East 9th Street, 4th Floor Des Moines, IA 50319-0034 The Honorable Jonathan Jarvis Director National Park Service 1849 C Street NW Washington, DC 20240 Office of the Mayor City Hall 50 West 13"' Street Dubuque, IA 52001-4864 www.cityofdubuque.org May 5, 2016 RE: Support for Dubuque's Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership Grant Application Dear Directors Gipp and Jarvis: On behalf of my City Council colleagues and the residents of Dubuque, I write this letter of strong support for the City of Dubuque's Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership grant application to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources and the National Park Service. The City of Dubuque, in partnership with multiple community stakeholders, seeks to transform Comiskey Park with new recreational improvements to serve low-income families. Comiskey Park is the only outdoor space available to households in the impoverished Washington and North End Neighborhoods. Families in these neighborhoods, located in Census Tracts 3, 4, 5, and 6, are economically distressed. Median household incomes range from $31,452 (Census Tract 5) to $41,868 (Census Tract 6), below the national and state levels of $53,482 and $52,716, respectively. Poverty is as high as 31.2% in Census Tract 5. Residents near Comiskey Park also suffer from poor mobility; approximately 25% of workers 16 years and older in Census Tract 5 have no access to a vehicle. Comiskey Park represents the only green space available to many of Dubuque's struggling citizens. 1 The City of Dubuque recently acquired approximately two acres of land adjacent to Comiskey Park, and seeks to develop this parcel with new recreational improvements. A community park planning process has been launched, and proposed amenities include a splash park, additional basketball courts, shaded structures, and more green space. By supporting sustainable parkland development in these neighborhoods, we will connect underserved people with improved recreation facilities. Please give the highest consideration to Dubuque's application for Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership funding. Thank you very much. Sincerely, I L/2 Roy D. Buol, Mayor 2 %0 Multicultural 011PitFAMILY CENTER The Ruby Sutton ti,rifdr,ry1 DUBUQUE May 6, 2016 Greetings IDNR Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership Grant Review Panel, I am thrilled to share a letter of support for the City of Dubuque Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership Grant. The Multicultural Family Center is located within walking distance of the lower Bee Branch project area. Many of our patrons and program participants live and work in these neighborhoods. Our mission is to empower all families and community members of Dubuque to reach their potential and build unity out of diversity. We pursue our mission by providing programs that promote long-term learning, events that showcase Dubuque's diversity, celebrations of culturally significant days, and programs that teach culturally -distinct content. A sampling of programs include teen nights, road to success teen employment program, John Deere career teen night, youth tutoring, movies and music in the park, Juneteenth, Marshallese Constitution Day, Flavors of Africa, Saudi National Day, India Independence Day, LGBT & Youth Network, and more. Future Talk is our signature program for young teens. It is an eight-week summer program for teens with an emphasis on environmental education, employment and financial literacy as well as community service. The teens perform service in various city, county and state parks in Dubuque and Dubuque County and for that are paid a stipend and learn about saving money through a money savings match. Many of the teen participants in Future Talk live in the census tracts described in this application. We have active relationships with NAACP, Dubuque Black Men Coalition, Dubuque for Refugee Children, Circles Initiative, Getting Ahead and LULAC (League of Latin American Citizens). All these connections allow us to continue building relationships that establish a foundation for social and cultural vibrancy in our Dubuque community. As I review the grant I am excited to see the emphasis placed on impacting low income, underserved communities to parks and the environment as a whole. I see the opportunity to partner with city parks and recreation as well as explore opportunities with the groups we have relationships with to connect even more youth beyond Future Talk and families to the environment. We look forward to building on our past partnerships to empower all families and community members. Sincerely, Dr. Farris Muhammad Director The Multicultural Fancily Center (MFC) empowers all fatnilies and community members of Dubuque to reach their potential and build unity out of diversity. Crescent Community MALI hi CLNI E1 May 5, 2016 The Honorable Chuck Gipp, Director Iowa Department of Natural Resources Wallace State Office Building 502 East 9th Street, 4th Floor Des Moines, IA 50319-0034 The Honorable Jonathan Jarvis Director National Park Service 1849 C Street NW Washington, DC 20240 RE: Support for Dubuque's Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership Grant Application Dear Directors Gipp and Jarvis: Please accept this letter of support from the Crescent Community Health Center for the City of Dubuque's Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership grant application to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources and the National Park Service. The City of Dubuque, in partnership with multiple community stakeholders, seeks to transform Comiskey Park with new recreational improvements to serve low-income families. Comiskey Park is the largest outdoor space readily available to households in the Washington and North End Neighborhoods. The City of Dubuque recently acquired approximately two acres of land adjacent to Comiskey Park, and seeks to develop this parcel with new recreational amenities. Crescent Community Health Center is a federally qualified health center, locally governed, which provides primary medical and dental care. The cost of our services for uninsured patients are figured on a sliding fee scale and discounted based upon the household income and size. Patients from any area are welcomed to our practice. We serve individuals and families who are uninsured, underinsured, and those with various types of insurance. Crescent Community Health Center is conveniently Located in the Washington Neighborhood. The expansion of Comiskey Park will directly impact the people we serve in the surrounding neighborhoods, the city of Dubuque, and the larger regional community. The project will provide opportunities for healthy lifestyle choices for our clients and other underserved populations. We are anxious to begin planning some outdoor activities for patients and neighborhood residents such as yoga and Tai chi. Our current clinic space does not have the appropriate outdoor space for such activities. We urge the Iowa Department of Natural Resources and the National Park Service to support the City of Dubuque's Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership grant application. Sincerely, GN Julie Woodyard V Executive Director and CEO May 5, 2016 The Honorable Chuck Gipp Director Iowa Department of Natural Resources Wallace State Office Building 502 East 9th Street, 4th Floor Des Moines, IA 50319-0034 The Honorable Jonathan Jarvis Director National Park Service 1849 C Street NW Washington, DC 20240 RE: Support for Dubuque's Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership Grant Application Dear Directors Gipp and Jarvis: Please accept this letter of support from the Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque for the City of Dubuque's Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership grant application to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources and the National Park Service. The City of Dubuque, in partnership with multiple community stakeholders, seeks to transform Comiskey Park with new recreational improvements to serve low-income families. Comiskey Park is the largest outdoor space readily available to households in the Washington and North End Neighborhoods. The City of Dubuque recently acquired approximately two acres of land adjacent to Comiskey Park, and seeks to develop this parcel with new recreational amenities. The Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque is a tax-exempt public charity that provides community leadership and nonprofit support. It was incorporated in October 2001 and went public in October 2002. In 2015 the Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque was ranked in the top 100 of 750 foundations nationwide in all three categories of The Foundation Center's annual community foundation benchmarking report. Thanks to our generous donors and dedicated nonprofits and community members, Northeast Iowa is strong, thriving and vibrant. Expansion of Comiskey Park will compliment many of our ongoing initiatives that impact low income, underserved communities. Comiskey Park serves the North End and Washington neighborhoods that contain the community's oldest housing and a diverse population. The majority of the residents in these neighborhoods are low to moderate income. We believe that expansion of Comiskey Park will directly benefit residents of these neighborhoods with additional recreational amenities. We urge the Iowa Department of Natural Resources and the National Park Service to support City of Dubuque's Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership grant application. Sincerely, f,e�Nancy Va Millig President nd CEO COMMUNITY FOUNDATION of C:rencer Dubuque The Roshek Building 700 Locust Street, Suite 195 Dubuque, IA 52001 Phone: 563.588.2700 office@dbgfoundation.org www.dbqfoundation.org THE crry or Dui Masterpiece on the Mississippi To Whom It May Concern: Dubuque httri IIII 2br - 2017 • 11)11 RE: IDNR Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership Grant Support Leisure Services Department 2200 Bunker Hill Road Dubuque, Iowa 52001-3010 Office (563) 589-4263 Fax (563) 589-4391 TTY (563) 690-6678 parkrec@cityofdubuque.org www.cityofdubuque.org May 6, 2016 I was excited to read about the grant application for the Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership. The Parks and Recreation Commission has been engaged in the Comiskey Park planning process. We see the development and implementation of a master plan for the expanded Comiskey Park as a vital component of the health of the surrounding neighborhoods, including the North End and Washington Street neighborhoods. As the Commission we wholeheartedly support the expansion of Comiskey Park with recreational amenities that would be based on the input from the neighborhoods served. This grant would leverage local funds to ensure that end. Sincerely, 6 (id rs aw Kate Larson, Chair Park and Recreation Commission KL: et Service People Integrity Responsibility Innovation Teamwork