SUBJECT
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Approve Standard Grant Agreement #P5028 between the State of Florida Department of Environmental Protection and Polk County for the Circle B Bar Reserve Pond Project. (one-time $200,000 grant revenue and $200,000 county match)
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DESCRIPTION
In 2000, Polk County purchased 1,267 acres on Winter Lake Road, known today as Circle B Bar Reserve. The purpose of this purchase was to create a stormwater facility to improve water quality on Lake Hancock. In 2008, Polk’s Nature Discovery Center opened to the public, which includes 7 miles of hiking trails, various other outdoor recreational and educational opportunities. The goal was to serve as a hub of information to the public about Polk’s Water, Wildlife and Wilderness.
In 2022, County staff started restoration of an old borrow pit (pond) in an area previously not open to the public. This pond has been identified as an area that can be used to enhance stormwater educational programming. To fully utilize this area, new public recreational amenities and facilities are needed.
Staff identified the state as a potential grant funding opportunity for this project. An application was submitted to financially support the planning, design, and construction of an additional multi-use trail, a floating boardwalk, picnic pavilion, and educational kiosk.
In 2024, the County was awarded the Florida Recreation Development Assistance Program Grant through the State of Florida Department of Environmental Protection. This Standard Grant Agreement, #P5028 provides $200,000 in funding and requires a county match, $200,000 which is budgeted and funded through the Environmental Lands Acquisition Fund in the Capital Improvement Plan for project Circle B Bar/Lake Hancock project.
Approval of this grant will allow this new recreation and education component to move forward at Circle B Bar Reserve, which will enhance visitor experience.
RECOMMENDATION
Approve Standard Grant Agreement #P5028 between the State of Florida Department of Environmental Protection and Polk County for the Circle B Bar Reserve Pond Project.
FISCAL IMPACT
Funds are available in the Special Revenue Grants Fund and the Parks and Natural Resources Five-Year CIP project budget in the Environmental Lands Acquisition Fund.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Tabitha Biehl, Land and Water Natural Areas Manager
Parks and Natural Resources Division
(863) 534-7377
tabithabiehl@polk-county.net <mailto:tabithabiehl@polk-county.net>
Gaye Sharpe, Director
Parks and Natural Resources Division
(863) 534-7377
gayesharpe@polk-county.net <mailto:gayesharpe@polk-county.net>