HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution No. 2026-64KENAI
CITY OF KENAI
RESOLUTION NO. 2026-64
Sponsored by: Administration
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO SUBMIT AN APPLICATION TO THE U.S.
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, NATIONAL PARK SERVICE, VIA THE STATE OF ALASKA
DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES, FOR THE LAND AND WATER CONSERVATION FUND
GRANT PROGRAM FOR FACILITY IMPROVEMENTS AT OLD TOWN PARK AND COMMITTING
UPON GRANT AWARD AND ACCEPTANCE TO PROVIDE A CASH MATCH EQUAL TO THE GRANT
AWARD, UP TO A MAXIMUM OF $250,000, TO MEET GRANT MATCHING REQUIREMENTS.
WHEREAS, the U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service administers the Land and Water
Conservation Fund (LWCF) Grant Program in cooperation with the State of Alaska, Department of
Natural Resources, Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation, offering competitive 1:1 local matching
grants to local government entities, and,
WHEREAS, LWCF grants are intended to diversify close -to -home outdoor recreation resources through
the development of public outdoor areas and infrastructure; and,
WHEREAS, approximately $1,500,000 is anticipated to be available in Alaska for the 2026 LWCF Grant
Program for projects with a maximum federal share of up to $250,000 with the 1:1 local match
requirement; and,
WHEREAS, the City of Kenai is a qualified applicant for the LWCF Grant Program as a local government
with the legal authority to provide park and recreation services on public lands; and,
WHEREAS, Old Town Park is an existing City -owned site that has been set aside for public recreation;
and,
WHEREAS, total project costs for park improvements is estimated at $800,000; and,
WHEREAS, Old Town Park is a 1.11-acre neighborhood park the provides everyday recreational
opportunities to the community and is in need of accessibility and facility improvements to support existing
and future use; and,
WHEREAS, the proposed projects at this facility would meet a variety of Alaska 2023-2027 Statewide
Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan goals, such as expanding options for in -town activities by
increasing accessibility and rehabilitating facilities in underserved locations; and,
WHEREAS, the public input received during the creation of the 2026 Parks & Recreation Master Plan
outlined community support for improvements including replacement of park equipment; and,
WHEREAS, the Old Town Park Playground Replacement is listed in the 2027-2031 Capital Improvement
Plan and the total estimated project cost of $800,000 would meet and exceed the required 1:1 grant
match; and,
WHEREAS, improvements completed with LWCF grant funds will prepare the site for future phased
projects in Old Town Park, contributing to an extensive renovation of the park through a diverse source
of funds and partnerships; and,
WHEREAS, the Parks & Recreation Commission held a public meeting on October 1, 2026, and
recommended the City Council pass this Resolution; and,
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Resolution No. 2026-64
Page 2 of 2
WHEREAS, participation in this grant opportunity will help facilitate needed park infrastructure
improvements and is in the best interest of the City.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF KENAI, ALASKA:
Section 1. The City Manager, or their designee, is hereby authorized to submit an application for a
Land and Water Conservation Fund Grant of up to $250,000 and to prepare and submit any and all
documents required for the grant application on behalf of the City.
Section 2. The City Council upon award and acceptance of a Land and Water Conservation Fund
Grant for Old Town Park Improvements commits to provide a cash match equal to the amount of the
grant award up to a maximum of $250,000 to meet the grant matching requirements.
Section 3. That this resolution takes effect imme�';n+^'�#^^^
PASSED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF KEN
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Michelle . S 6 ",MC, City Clerk
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MEMORANDUM
TO: Mayor Knackstedt and Council Members
THROUGH: Terry Eubank, City Manager
THROUGH: Tyler Best, Parks & Recreation Director
FROM: Kevin Buettner, Planning Director
DATE: September 2, 2026
SUBJECT: Resolution No. 2026-64 - Authorizing the City Manager to Submit an
Application to the U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service, Via
the State of Alaska Department of Natural Resources, for the Land and Water
Conservation Fund Grant Program for Facility Improvements at Old Town
Park and Committing Upon Grant Award and Acceptance to Provide a Cash
Match Equal to the Grant Award, up to a Maximum of $250,000, to Meet
Grant Matching Requirements.
On August 14, 2026, the U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service, in cooperation
with the State of Alaska, Department of Natural Resources, Division of Parks and Outdoor
Recreation released a new solicitation for the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) Grant
Program. The grant opportunity allows eligible applicants to request up to $250,000 per funding
cycle to address eligible community needs. The City of Kenai is an eligible applicant for this
program, as a home -rule municipality.
The proposed project would include the installation of new playground equipment at Old Town
Park. This park improvement is currently in the Capital Improvement Plan for design in FY2027
and construction in FY2028. This park was also mentioned as needing improvements by
members of the public during the development of the Parks & Recreation Master Plan.
This grant does require a 50% or 1:1 match and has a federal funding cap of $250,000. The
Capital Improvement Plan had a value of $100,000 for design in FY 2027 and $800,000 for
construction in FY 2028 utilizing City funds. If Council chooses to accept the Grant upon award,
it would require a grant match of up to $250,000.
Thank you for your consideration