Title
Consider/Discuss/Act on a Project Grant Application Submitted by McKinney Parks Foundation (4B24-06) in an Amount of Up to Two Hundred Thirty-Three Thousand Four Hundred Ninety-Nine and NO/100 Dollars ($233,499.00) for Construction of a Learning Garden Located at MCDC-Owned Property at 704 Greenville Road in McKinney, Texas. This request represents 49% of the Total Project Cost.
Summary
COUNCIL GOAL: 5: Enhance the Quality of Life in McKinney
5D: Develop sustainable quality of life improvements within
the City of McKinney.
MEETING DATE: May 23, 2024
DEPARTMENT: McKinney Community Development Corporation
CONTACT: Cindy Schneible, President
ITEM SUMMARY:
• McKinney Community Development Corporation will conduct a public hearing on a project grant application submitted by McKinney Parks Foundation for the construction of the East McKinney Learning Garden located on MCDC-owned property.
• The garden will feature raised garden beds, potting benches, a harvest wash area, teaching station, and storage.
• Led and maintained by volunteers, the garden will host gardening classes led by chefs, farmers, gardeners and community leaders.
• Food produced at the garden will be donated to local agencies including Community Garden Kitchen, La Tiendita, Hugs Café, and the East McKinney Farmers Market.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
• MCDC entered a land lease agreement with McKinney Parks Foundation in January 2024.
• The McKinney Parks Foundation has been in existence since 2017 and has three main functions: organizing volunteers to help with parks projects; encourage resident engagement in park activities and programs; provide a structure for organizing educational opportunities about the natural environment.
• MPF is recognized as the Trail Steward organization for the Community Center nature Trail and has put in more than 100 volunteer hours to restore, manage and expand the trail.
• MPF coordinates teams of volunteers to work on park projects such maintenance of hike and bike trails, building nature trails, upkeep of parks and open spaces and adding amenities.
FINANCIAL SUMMARY:
• Funds allocated for FY24 for discretionary Project Grants is $2,335,904, and $1,835,904 in discretionary funds remain.
• The request is eligible for MCDC consideration under Section 505.152 of the Texas Local Government Code.
• McKinney Parks Foundation most recently received MCDC funding in FY23 in an amount of $25,000 and $15,600 in FY 22 for trail maintenance equipment.
SUPPORTING MATERIALS:
• Application Packet
• Presentation