Title
Conduct a Public Hearing and Consider/Discuss/Act on a Project Grant Application Submitted by ManeGait Therapeutic Horsemanship (4B 24-01) in the Amount of Five Hundred Thousand and NO/100 Dollars ($500,000.00) for Funding Site Work and Construction of a Community Event Plaza and Walking Trail. Amount Requested Represents 3% of Total Project Cost.
Summary
COUNCIL GOAL: 5: Enhance Quality of Life in McKinney
(5B): Create affordable recreational and cultural arts activities for all ages throughout the city
MEETING DATE: January 25, 2024
DEPARTMENT: McKinney Community Development Corporation
CONTACT: Cindy Schneible, President
ITEM SUMMARY:
• ManeGait Therapeutic Horsemanship has submitted a project grant application requesting $500,000 for construction of a community event plaza and walking trail at the ManeGait facility located at 3160 N. Custer Road, McKinney, Texas.
• The renovation will allow ManeGait to host over 8,000 visitors and event participants annually.
• This request is part of a larger ManeGait expansion project called The Beacon Project with a goal to optimize acreage and expand their therapeutic programs. The project includes a second covered arena, a 32-stall horse barn, a new administrative building, a brain-building therapy center, event plaza, and a 75-seat conference space. Total budget for The Beacon Project is $10,229,746.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
• At ManeGait Therapeutic Horsemanship, children and adults with disabilities move beyond their boundaries through the healing power of the horse and the dedication of a professional and caring community.
• Founded in 2007, ManeGait provides weekly programs to 150 adults and children with physical, emotional, cognitive and behavioral disabilities - delivering more than 6,000 hours of services each year.
• Programs include Therapeutic Horseback Riding, Therapeutic Carriage Driving, GaitWay to the brain-incorporating brain-building exercise into the framework of riding lessons and at-home activities, and ManeGait to Freedom - designed specially to support the needs of military veterans and first responders.
• ManeGait serves riders from 5 to 72 years of age. Participants are from five North Texas counties.
FINANCIAL SUMMARY:
• Funds allocated for FY24 for discretionary Project Grants is $2,335,904.
• The request is eligible for MCDC consideration under Section 505.152 of the Texas Local Government Code.
SUPPORTING MATERIALS:
• Application Packet
• Presentation