Memorandum 13-142 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Learning Landscape Grant

Memorandum 13-142

TO:   Walt Wrede, City Manager
FROM:   Carey Meyer, Public Works Director
DATE:   Monday, October 7, 2013
SUBJECT:  Karen Hornaday Park – U.S. Fish & Wildlife Learning Landscape Grant
    Recommendation to Appropriate Funds

The Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission has identified landscaping as a priority in implementing the Karen Hornaday Park master plan.  The Public Works pursued a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service for 50% match grant funding up to $25,000 for the installation of landscaping at the Karen Hornaday Park playground.  The grant has been accepted by the City (per Resolution 12-048).
The City is working with the Center for Alaskan Coastal Studies (CACS) and the Homer Playground Project (HoPP) to plan and implement Learning Landscape improvements at Karen Hornaday Park, and obtain in-kind matching funds and donations.  Landscape work associated with the day use area such as soil tillage, grading, drainage, top soil, seeding, pathways, benches and work being completed at the new playground will qualify for in-kind match funds.
The landscaping project will have a focus on local native plants with such themes as ‘Pollinators,’ ‘Edible Plants,’ ‘Economic Benefits of Plants,’ ‘Exotic Beauty of Native and Non-native Plants,’ ‘Plants of the Beach Dunes,’ ‘Wetland Habitat Plants’ and other themes to be developed.
Other Partners:  The following partners have offered assistance:
• Alaska Plant Materials Center
• Cooperative Extension Service Habitat Specialist
• Homer Soil and Water Conservation District
• State of Alaska Div. of Forestry and Plant Nursery
• Homer Area Nurseries
• Gee Denton, Homer Landscape Designer
• Homer Lions Club
• Individuals – Plant Specialists
Recommendation:  The City Council pass an ordinance appropriating a Learning Landscape Grant from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife in the amount of $25,000; 50% of which will be matched with labor/material in-kind contributions from participating organizations and individuals.
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