SUBJECT
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Approve the T. Mark Schmidt Off-Highway Vehicle grant agreement between the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) and Polk County for safety enhancements at Bone Valley ATV Park. ($240,000 one-time grant revenue, $60,000 County match).
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DESCRIPTION
In 2009 Polk County purchased approximately 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 approximately 300 additional acres adjacent to the original property to support the park’s continued expansion.
Since 2015, County staff have successfully pursued grant funding opportunities to support the development of Bone Valley ATV Park. The park currently features 14 trails, two training areas, hill climbs, an open riding area, two motocross courses, a restroom and shower facility, an ATV washing station, a helicopter landing pad, a maintenance building, an entry gate, parking, and a bridge connecting the northern and southern properties.
In recent years, staff have pursued grant funding to support safety-related improvements at the park. These efforts have included the acquisition of a water truck to enhance trail maintenance and the construction of two picnic pavilions on the southern property to provide riders and spectators with shelter from the elements.
Building upon these efforts, funding from the current T. Mark Schmidt Off-Highway Vehicle Grant will be used to purchase four Polaris Rangers, two emergency transport inserts, two basket stretchers, directional and educational signage, and an additional picnic pavilion. Collectively, these improvements will strengthen emergency response capabilities, enhance staff oversight of the facility, improve rider navigation and safety awareness, and provide additional protection from the elements.
The grant garners $240,000 with a County match of $60,000 for a total cost of $300,000.
RECOMMENDATION
Request the Board approve the terms of Contract #34239 with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services for the T. Mark Schmidt Grant in the amount of $300,000 for safety enhancements at Bone Valley ATV Park.
FISCAL IMPACT
Funds are budgeted and available within the 5-year Parks and Natural Resources CIP within the Special Revenue Grant CDBG Grant fund.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Michael Callender, Parks and Recreation Manager
Parks and Natural Resources Division
(863) 534-4340
mikecallender@polkfl.gov
Tabitha Biehl, Director
Parks and Natural Resources Division
(863) 534-7377
tabithabiehl@polkfl.gov