Weston Awarded Playground Grants

from Our City Weston: July 2022

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Weston Awarded Playground Grants

Weston was awarded two grants of $200,000 each, for playground replacements at Gator Run and Regional Park (south playground) respectively. The funds come from the Florida Recreation Development Assistance Program and have 50% match requirements for city funds.

The application process for these grants began back in 2020, with many requirements and hoops that staff went through, but in the end it was all worth it and residents will reap the rewards.

The Florida Recreation Development Assistance Program or 'FRDAP' is a competitive, reimbursement grant program that provides financial assistance for acquisition or development of land for public outdoor recreation. Eligible applicants are all county governments and incorporated municipalities of the state of Florida and other legally constituted local governmental entities with the legal responsibility for the provision of outdoor recreational sites and facilities for the use and benefit of the general public.

The maximum grant request permitted is $200,000 - so considering this maximum and that Weston was awarded two maximum grant amounts, our Parks and Recreation Director Kara Petty is doing cartwheels!

What is next now that the letter of award has been received - Ms. Petty advised that they are currently waiting for the agreement. Staff will need to get the agreement and the purchase of the playground and shade structures before the City Commission for approval prior to moving forward with the projects.