Park faces budget shortfalls

Park faces budget shortfalls

Without more funding, project stands to lose $200K state grant

By KATI BEXLEY
kati.bexley@staugustine.com
Publication Date: 10/14/08


A community park and skateboarding facility that city staff and residents have been working on for three years is nearly a reality.

But it's facing some "significant financial hurdles" and could lose almost half its funding from the state, the city's chief operations officer said Monday.

Roughly three years ago, the city approved the $450,000 park to be built on city property at Anastasia Boulevard and Red Cox Drive.

Almost all of the money has been raised from the state, city, St. Johns County and the community. But John Regan, city chief operations officer, said city staff recently found out it's still not enough.

The lowest bid the city received for the park's construction is $150,000 more than its budget.

And the $200,000 state grant for the project mandates the park be built by April 2009.

"It's going to take the whole community to raise the park out of the ground," Regan said. "We will never have this opportunity to build this in the future. With the decline in the state budget, if we lose this $200,000 we won't get it again."

The project was stalled for months while Phil McDaniel, who spearheaded the project, and other members of the park's advisory board worked to get $70,000 for the park.

They raised $20,000, and, on Monday, the City Commission approved an agreement with resident Tory Strange for the rest of the funds.

The city will give the needed $50,000, and Strange will pay back the money to the city in the next 15 years. Strange is using his business, the Surf Station, as collateral.

"It's been hard raising money with this economy," McDaniel said "But Tory just stepped up for us."

The commission approved the agreement without further discussion.

"This restores our faith in neighbors helping neighbors," Regan said. "This is a significant contribution and we are very lucky to have Tory."

Along with the state grant and community funds, the city has given $60,000 and the county contributed $100,000.

The city is now looking for ways to raise the additional $150,000 needed in order to build the facility.

The park will include a skating area aimed at beginners, picnic tables and a fitness trail.

Regan said the city is looking at cutting things from the project. And he hopes residents will get involved to help save money.

As an example, residents could help with the landscaping instead of paying for the service, Regan said.

"There will be opportunities for people who can't give money, but can give some of their time," he said.



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