Last Monday, the ARPA subgroup for Parks met to discuss which projects they want to spend the $120 million LFUCG is receiving in federal ARPA funds on.

The meeting started with the subgroup members asking Monica Conrad of Parks and Recreation what the parks department’s priorities for funding are. Monica provided a list of potential investments, most of which fall under the Parks Master Plan. These requests included:

• $1.15 million for new walking/biking trails and trail improvements
• $2.6 million for sports courts - both building new and improving existing facilities
• $1 million for neighborhood playground improvements and replacements
• $500,000 for building maintenance and repairs
• $2.3 million for aquatics system repairs
• $2.3 million for community center renovations

The subgroup agreed that Parks and Rec priorities are important and discussed giving Parks & Rec a flat amount of approximately $10 million to work on a “tweaked” list of parks master plan improvements, emphasizing the ARPA requirements and the desire for “transformational” projects.

In addition to funding objectives of the Parks Master Plan, the subgroup discussed setting aside another chunk of money for additional parks initiatives proposed by residents. They agreed to discuss what those projects could be at their meeting today.