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 Bone Valley ATV Park Motocross Track ($246,302.75 one-time grant revenue).
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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 2016, staff received grant funding to complete Phase 2 of park development, which was completed in November 2019.
As part of the Original Purchase Agreement, Mosaic provided a First Right of Refusal clause for the purchase of additional property for future expansion. In July 2017, the County exercised the clause by purchasing +/- 300 additional acres adjacent to the original property. Prior to the County acquiring the property, Mosaic completed some reclamation and secured permitting to continue the reclamation. In May 2019, the County, Mosaic, and FDEP executed an agreement that allowed the County to assume and modify the reclamation permit. The agreement also made Polk County eligible to receive grant funding from the State’s Non-Mandatory Land Reclamation Program for construction activities.
With funding and agreements in place to aid in the development of the expansion property, staff moved forward with applying for grants to assist with the funding of a bridge over CR 630, which would safely connect the two park properties. The County was subsequently awarded funding from multiple grants to assist with the design, permitting, and construction of a bridge, which is expected to be complete in January 2024.
With a mechanism in place to safely connect the two park properties, staff is now focusing on the development of the expansion property located to the north of the current property. Phase 1 is slated to include the construction of additional riding trails and the design, permitting, and construction of a motocross course. The motocross course on the original property has increased in popularity over the last few years, which has resulted in some safety and maintenance concerns. The construction of an additional course will not only enhance the rider’s experience, it will also provide for future event opportunities and will alleviate pressure put on staff when trying to maintain the conditions of the current course. Staff applied for and were awarded a T. Mark Schmidt grant, which will help fund the design and construction of a world class motocross course. The grant garners $245,302.75 for a County match of $61,575.69.
RECOMMENDATION
Request the Board approve the terms of the agreement with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services for the T. Mark Schmidt Grant.
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