HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 03.gCity of Lakeville
Parks & Recreation
Memorandum
To: Mayor and City Council
Justin Miller, City Administrator
From: John Hennen, Parks & Recreation Director
Copy: Jerilyn Erickson, Finance Director
Date: March 24, 2016
Subject: Land of Amazement 2.0 Fundraising Update
Background
At the October 26, 2015 Work Session, Staff proposed a fundraising campaign for Land of
Amazement 2.0 that would run through March 31, 2016 at which time staff would update the
Mayor and City Council on the fundraising progress.
At that meeting, Staff also informed the Mayor and City Council that Staff applied for a grant
through GameTime (Playground Manufacturer) for the project. The grant saved the City
$36,531 on the total estimated cost of the project. However, as per requirements of the grant,
the City had to submit a check in the amount of $220,917.76 no later than November 13, 2015
for the purchase of the main playground structure, which did occur.
Staff has contacted potential corporate donors, civic groups, applied for grants, appealed to
individuals and families, and has worked with Lakeville Liquors in attempt to reach the
fundraising goal of $271,627. The total estimated project cost is $356,627. To date
$100,615.83 has been received or verbally committed to the project leaving a remaining
balance of $171,011.17 as noted below:
Fundraising Goal: $271,627.00
Collected/ Verbal Commitment: $100,615.83
Remaining Balance: $171,011.17
In addition to continuing to seek donations, future fundraising efforts scheduled or being
considered include “Taste of Lakeville Wine Preview & Judging Party” to be held in April,
Lakeville Liquors and Lakeville Lions “Brew Battle” proposed to be held as part of Pan-O-Prog
along with donations that will be accepted in July at the Lakeville Liquor stores.
Funding Options
Considering we have not reached our fundraising goal at this time, there are a couple number
of funding options the Mayor and City Council can consider which are as follows:
1. Continue to fundraise and look for funding sources as we move forward with the
construction of the project.
2. Utilize some of the 2015 unencumbered general fund balance for the project.
However, the total unencumbered balance for 2015 will not be known until later in
April.
Preliminary Construction Timeline
If the Mayor and City Council direct Staff to continue to move forward on the project, the
preliminary construction schedule would be as follows:
• Commence the removal of the existing play structure, grading, and site preparation at
the end of July/ August;
• Installation of concrete border, new access path(s), drainage work and grading in
August;
• Dig and pour footings and concrete slabs, and install poured in place material;
• Playground Volunteer Build - September 16 & 17
• Grand opening in early October
Request
Staff is requesting direction from the Mayor and City Council regarding moving forward with
the construction of Land of Amazement 2.0 project.