SUBJECT
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Approve the T. Mark Schmidt grant agreement between the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) and Polk County for the purchase of a water truck with spraying equipment to maintain Bone Valley ATV Park. ($240,000 one-time grant revenue, $60,000 County match ).
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DESCRIPTION
In 2009 Polk County purchased 200+/- acres from Mosaic Fertilizer, LLC for the development of an ATV park. The facility, now known as Bone Valley ATV Park, opened to the public in February 2015. In July 2017, the County purchased an additional 300 +/- acres adjacent to the original property for park expansion.
Since 2015, County staff have utilized a multitude of grant funding opportunities to help develop Bone Valley ATV Park. Currently, the park consists of fourteen trails, two training areas, hill climbs, an open riding area, restroom and shower facility, ATV washing station, a helicopter pad, maintenance building, entry gate, parking, two motocross courses, and a bridge connecting the two properties.
With the completion of each phase of development, the popularity of Bone Valley ATV Park increases. With that, comes additional maintenance responsibilities. In addition to the regular park and trail maintenance, the staff are now also responsible for the daily upkeep of two motocross tracks. Properly maintaining the riding areas is crucial to ensure safety, longevity, and optimal racing conditions. To do that, Polk County Parks and Natural Resources applied for and was awarded a T. Mark Schmidt Off-Highway Vehicle Grant to assist with the purchase of a new water truck. The truck will be used multiple times a day to help maintain the riding surfaces throughout both the original property and the expansion property. Wetting the surface of the riding areas will greatly reduce the amount of dust. This will not only help reduce the repeated displacement of the surface material, but it will also increase visibility. Additionally, maintaining the correct surface compaction, particularly on the tracks and trails, is crucial to the safety of the users. The utilization of a water truck will greatly enhance the abilities of the staff to properly maintain these surfaces.
The grant garners $240,000 with a County match of $60,000 for a total cost of $300,000 which is included in the County’s budget.
RECOMMENDATION
Request the Board approve the terms of Contract #31374 with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services for the T. Mark Schmidt Grant for the purchase of a water truck in the amount of $300,000.
FISCAL IMPACT
Funds are budgeted in the Special Revenue Grant Fund.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Michael Callender, Parks and Recreation Manager
Parks and Natural Resources Division
(863) 534-4340
mikecallender@polk-county.net
Gaye Sharpe, Director
Parks and Natural Resources
(863) 534-7377
gayesharpe@polk-county.net