7.0. PRSR 01-14-1998 January 8, 1998
o: Park and Recreation Commission
Fr: Jeff Asfaht ,i
Re: Various Recreation Updates
Mighty Kids Grant Applications: (Information only)
- Please find enclosed the results of our application. I am disappointed. As part of my inquiry to the
grant program contact I briefly shared each concept and I was informed that each would be
considerable. "Oh Well". It appears likely there will be more opportunities.
The Old Prairie House Restaurant Site: (Input requested)
- I'm sorry but I can't recall if I updated the commission on this last month or not.
As you may know, the site is vacant and the owners are offering free rent. We have enquired about
the details and it holds some promise. In actuality it is not really free. We are continuing to investigate
it as a use for a site to serve teens via a place to "hang out", play arcade type games, etc. We have
consistently heard from teens over the past two years that they would like a place such as this. We
are not intending to compete with either of the proposed Watz Up Cafe Club or the Boys and Girls
Club efforts.
•will appreciate commission input.
BMX Site Interest: (Information & Input)
- Interest is mounting for the development of a BMX site in Elk River. Their enthusiasm reminds me of
how the skateboarders got started. I believe that the skateboarders active involvement set a good
example and that these enthusiasts should follow a similar course. Margo Foster and Jon Thompson
are two adults interested in assisting with this type of project. They would like to meet with the
Commission at your February meeting.
Mn. State Legislature - 1998 Bonding Bill for Youth Initiatives (Information /Action )
- Please find enclosed a brief summary of this proposed legislation. The Minnesota Recreation and
Park Association is actively pursuing this for authorization in the 1998 Bonding Bill. It will be
important for our area representatives to hear from constituents about their support and interest of
this. More information is at this time being compiled to assist with the promotion and education on the
matter.
This would provide $30 million available via grant funding to outstate communities. I will keep you
updated as more information becomes available. Your help with contacting our state representatives
will be important.
Youth Athletic Complex Policy Draft- (Input)
You should have received them. Please provide me with any input. I will be meeting with the youth
associations on Thursday 1/15.
M ASC.
/ January 5, 1998
i
• "Iv ! MASC Fax: (612) 785-5698
^0//01/0
MINNESOTA MASC web-site (more information form
ation on
AMATEUR Mighty Kids Grant Program:
coMm�ssioN
vwvw.masc.state.mn.us
1700 105th Ave N.E.
Blaine, MN 55449
I. YOUTH SPORT AND RECREATION SURVEY
The 1997 Minnesota Legislature has allocated $800,000 for a"Mighty Kids" Youth Sport&
Recreation Grant Program. The purpose of these grants are to assist Minnesota communities
in the start-up or expansion of youth sport and recreation programs. The funding is provided to
increase the involvement of underserved youth in before-school, after-school, and summer pro-
gramming through partnerships that effectively utilize and build on existing community
resources. At the present time, "Mighty Kids"grants are restricted to program development. In
thei,_fut ure however, this grant program may be expanded to include capital improvement an -
facility development for sport and recreation facilities.
The purpose of this survey is to provide the 1998 State Legislature with an estimate of county,
city, or school district interest in both program development grants and to access the potential
for capital improvement and facility development grants. Please respond by mail or fax to the
ipMASC by January 15, 1998.
A. Cities/Counties/School Districts Interested in Sport Program Development
% We plan to expand or develop new recreational youth programs in 1998.
0 We plan to apply for a Mighty Kids Youth Sport /Recreation Grant in 1998.
B. Cities/Counties/School Districts Interested in Sports Facility Development
0 We plan to expand or develop new sport facilities in
(circle all that apply) 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002
(Please specify the type of the proposed facility development, i.e. soccer, baseball/soft
ball, etc.) / L /� Ac ///c (IX/1 iam kX 6
0
fdelfer �)
Please return by January 15, 1998 to: doh c55 4/IS
Mighty Kids Grant Program Survey
1700 - 105th Ave NE
Blaine, MN 55449-4500
Fax (612) 785-5698
Name of City/County/School District e : dE i7k h/v i-
Contact Name 31rlck rAerg ar 7e If'h I
• Address 130 65 Orono jtirkwa ' ) o Rox qqo
City Elk 'iuer, In X5"330
Phone '/'//- '74/0 0 Fax /V/- l�a5
•
(DRAFT BRIEFING FOR MRPA MEMBERS)
• designed as back to back one page handout
mail to all members ofMRPA—a more detailed one for the "big"legislative contacts
IS TEN MINUTES OF YOUR TIME WORTH $40 MILLION?
YOUTH INITIATIVE BILL
Early this fall the MRPA Board voted to support the Youth Initiative Bill.Now we ten
minutes from every single member.
1. 2 minutes -Review this summary about the bill.
2. 4 minutes -Take the enclosed Legislative Briefing(blue sheet) —write a personal
note on the back and mail to your legislative representative. Or even faster, choose
the express method(Green sheet)all you need to do is sign your name.
3. 3 minutes -Find your legislators name and address on the enclosed list,circle it and
ask your clerical support to mail your Briefing.
4. 1 minute—As you are thinking how easy it was to help your fellow MRPA members
and participate in the legislative process, get a cup of coffee.
SUMMARY
A request is being made to the State Legislators in the Youth Initiative Bill for$40
million from the State Bond Funds to furnish, equip, repair,replace or construct parks
and recreation buildings or school buildings for programs during non-school hours.
• The focus is for communities with high concentrations of children eligible for free or
reduced school lunch,collaborative efforts, facilities for youth in grades four—eight, and
projects using YouthBuild`labor.
The funding allocation request includes $5 million for Minneapolis, $5 million for St.
Paul and $30 million for grants outside of the cities of Minneapolis and St.Paul,
encompassing all suburbs and greater Minnesota.
If authorized,the funding would be allocated to the Minnesota Department of Children,
Families&Learning. They would offer a grant program to local governmental agencies.
•