The Owen Parks & Recreation Committee met on Wednesday, September 17 to discuss a hiccup in purchasing new playground equipment for Mill Pond Park with grant funds. Committee chair Ray Kilty said that in following up with the company, they found out they do not cover shipping. The city would have to pay $51,000 toward the cost of the equipment. Committee member Hailey Wyro found another grant possibility, but it would require the city to do some conservation work. She suggested things like nature plaques or a story walk along the pond. She said it would take work to qualify and she wasn’t sure if it would work with the other grant funding.
Kilty also mentioned new grant funds available from the state of Wisconsin which he was fairly sure could be used in conjunction with the Playtime grant. Committee member Rick Nelson said that historically Parks & Rec had money dedicated toward their projects. Wyro said that several grants require a “Friends of” group which she is willing to look into more.
It was mentioned that the state grants might help with other needed projects in the city also. The question is can it be used as a match toward another grant. Committee member Bob Wilczek said he had previously looked at an ADA grant and he would check to see if it is still available.
Kilty said at a minimum they could check into recoating the steps on the slide for now. He said they are going to have to look at doing fundraisers.
Committee member Rocky Lehr also let the committee know that the 4-H used electric fryers during the fair and plans to do that going forward, so some power will need to be run to that area.