By Scott Harvey
Commerce – The Commerce City Council has authorized the submission of a Texas Parks and Wildlife Grant that, if awarded, would bring in $75,000.
Money would go toward the purchase of new playground equipment, bordering, surfacing material, and other amenities. The City Council Tuesday also agreed to fund a new restroom at City Park to meet American's with Disabilities (ADA) requirements. The money for the restroom will come from the City's reserve fund.
Based on money generated by the Parks Project, plus in-kind labor service, the City will provide $18,000 to meet the full $75,000 in matching funds.
The City is now looking to hire an outside firm to write the grant. According to Parks and Recreation Director Bob Mills, the firm the City is currently speaking with has a 98% success rate in obtaining grants.
The Council's decision Tuesday marks a big step for both the Parks and Recreation Department, and the Parks Project Committee, who've over the past three years been working to generate the necessary funding for new play equipment.