Title
Vote to award Parks and Recreation grant funding and approve contracts to recreation agencies for FY27
Abstract
Introduction & Background: Five recreation agencies submitted applications that qualified for the FY27 Non-profit Grants to Recreation Agencies process. The agencies attended the Recreation Advisory Committee meeting on 5/20/2026 to present their requests. The total available amount of grant funding is $20,300 and the total amount requested was $42,000.
Descriptions of the total requests are listed below:
|
Agency Name |
FY27 Program / Project |
Requested |
|
Sprott Youth Center |
Open Gym Attendants, Gym HVAC Maintenance, Facility Repairs & Supplies |
$9,000 |
|
Hispanic Liaison |
Hispanic Heritage Fiesta Event |
$8,000 |
|
Deep River Parks Association |
Widen Driveway-Better Access for Boats/Trailers |
$8,000 |
|
Jordan Lake Trails Conservation Association |
Mason Point Horse Trail Maintenance and Improvements |
$7,000 |
|
RPT Nation |
Youth Basketball Scholarships, Facility Rentals, Training & Supplies |
$10,000 |
Discussion & Analysis: The Recreation Advisory committee used the matrix scoring system and general discussions to make their recommendations. Four of the five applicants scored within 4 points of each other. The committee felt that since the scores were so close, they would start the recommendations with a minimum of $4,000 to the top 4.
Deep River Park Association scored 111 and the Recreation Advisory Committee recommends funding in the amount of $5,000 for ABS Stone, dirt screenings and labor to widen the driveway access to the park.
Jordan Lake Trails Conservation Association scored 110 and the Recreation Advisory Committee recommends funding in the amount of $5,000 for contracted services to mechanically clear the Mason Point Horse Trail.
Sprott Youth Center scored 108 and the Recreation Advisory Committee recommends funding in the amount of $5450 for Open Gym and Gym HVAC Maintenance. Even though the Sprott Youth Center did not score the highest, after further discussion, the Recreation Advisory Committee felt a higher amount was warranted based on the services provided in underserved areas of the County which better aligned with providing recreational opportunities and access to recreation facilities.
Hispanic Liaison of Chatham County scored 107 and the Recreation Advisory Committee recommends funding in the amount of $4,000 for the bands/dance groups performing at their Hispanic Heritage Fiesta event at Shakori Hills.
RPT Nation, Inc. scored 89 and the Recreation Advisory Committee recommends funding in the amount of $850 for facility rental fees.
How does this relate to the Comprehensive Plan: Goal 6 - Provide recreational opportunities and access to open space.
Budgetary Impact: $20,300 approved in the FY27 Budget.
Recommendation/Motion: Motion to award Parks and Recreation grant funding and approve contracts to recreation agencies for FY27.