www.dcnr.state.pa.us grants- as easy as i, 2, 3 you want one, i’ve got one! here’s what you need...

www.dcnr.state.pa.us

Grants- As easy as I, 2, 3

You want one, I’ve got one!Here’s what you need to do.

Presented by: Beth J. Helterbran, Recreation & Parks Adviser

Bureau of Recreation & Conservation

Community Parks & Conservation Division

e-mail: [email protected]


DCNR- BRC Grant Overview

Introduction- Bureau of Rec. & Conservation

• Land Acquisition

• Planning

• Development

Understand the Bureau’s Mission Statement

Understand the Bureau’s Program Requirements;Policies, etc.


DCNR- BRC Grant Overview

Development Projects = Site Construction

• Funding Availability

• Match Requirements

(SC) Small Communities

(PRD) Park Rehabilitation & Development

• Competitive Award Process

• Annual Application Period- (January – April)


Grants- As easy as I, 2, 3


Elements of a GREAT Project• Start with public

participation and planning

• Include a Design Consultant1. To facilitate planning

2. To provide expertise

3. To develop lay-out, Park Site Development Drawings, Construction Drawings, etc.


Elements of a GREAT Project

• Design with the Site in Mind

• Consider the affiliated long-term maintenance and operations costs

• Site security needs


Planning for a GREAT Project

•Why do you want to build this facility?

•What type of facility is needed?

•What are the community’s goals? (Current/Long-Term)



•Where is the facility to be built?

•Do you have an appropriate site?

•What is the project timetable?– Can you construct in

phases?



•How will the facility be built? Who will build it?– Financial

Considerations

•Operations and Maintenance– Costs and Personnel


What is DCNR-BRC looking for in your Project?

• Well-thought out and designed projects-

Ready-To-Go!

• Must own or control the site for at least 25 years

• Site must be open to the public

• Non-Discrimination: regarding ADA access and public access


What is DCNR-BRC looking for in your Project?

•Site must be properly maintained

•Project must create a complete and useable facility

•Non-Conversion of property in the future


Common Stumbling Blocks• Master Site Plan not developed up front

• Special Interest Groups dominate project design

- Needs of community at large may be overlooked

• Project costs are under-estimated

• Too many activities at one site

• Inadequate or ill-designed parking area

• Change of local leadership


Project Design Considerations

• Environmental and Physical Characteristics

• Work with the site– Steep Slopes?– Floodplains?– Wetlands?– Forested?– Permitting Issues?



• Space Requirements

- Analyze and determine all Site functions

- Analyze circulation patterns and position of spectators

- Consider buffers between activities



• Develop a Master Site Plan– Allow your Design

Consultant to be creative, but realistic

• Site Development Drawings

• Consider inclusion of Open Space



• Seek to limit conflict between sunlight and players and/or spectators– Conditions worsen

with direct sunlight

• Seek to limit conflict between facilities



• Primary Orientations:- Tennis & Basketball

Courts

- Soccer Fields

- Ballfields

- Slides

(N – S) vs. (E - W)



• Surface Drainage/Grading



• Gradient

- Court Games: neither player should have a slope advantage

- Similar elevations at serving points related to net

- Gradient must not change so suddenly that player stumbles



• Americans with Disabilities Act(ADA)

- At least one accessible route connecting all funded facilities and elements– Minimum 5 foot

unobstructed width– Stable, firm, slip resistant

surface



• Parking Needs

- Safe, Efficient Movement of Traffic

- Ample Turning

- Reasonable Grades

- ADA Parking spaces; BRC requires paved spaces

- Accessible Route(s) linking funded facilities to ADA parking



• Parking Guidelines

- Swimming Pools – 1 space per 30 sq. feet

- Baseball – 35 spaces per field

- Tennis – 2 spaces per court

- Athletic Fields & Courts – 1 space per 300 sq. feet

- Local ordinances should be consulted


Project Design Considerations• Site Amenities-

Don’t forget them!

- Benches

- Picnic Tables

- Bleachers

- Players Benches-Dugouts

- Trash Receptacles

- Water Fountains

- Restrooms/Concession Areas

- Utilities


DCNR- BRC Grant Application

What makes a complete &

competitive Grant Application?

1.YOU develop and submit a realistic, well-defined SCOPE OF WORK, which includes ADA accommodations.

2.YOU provide a realistic BUDGET that includes all of the proposed elements in your scope of work and the costs of the required professional services.



3. YOU submit a professionally designed PARK SITE DEVELOPMENT DRAWING, that accurately reflects the existing site elements, the proposed scope of work and all ADA accommodations.

4. YOU complete and submit all required project documentation with your application.



5. Project Narrative Selection Criteria Questions-

(4) Criteria Questions:

- Project Needs & Benefits (45) pts.

- Relationship of your Project (20) pts.

w/ Plans and Public Engagement

- Project Partners & Commitment (15) pts.

- Sustainable & Green Practices (20) pts.



• Address each of the Criteria Questions- be complete & concise; you only have (4) pgs.

• Address all elements outlined with the sub-sections of the (4) Criteria Questions

• Remember that every project can incorporate Sustainable & Green Practices

• Failure to answer or address the sub-sections will result in lower scores


It’s all about timing… don’t rush it•Don’t be afraid…It’s as easy as 1, 2, 3!

•Take the time you need to develop a GREAT project- Plan Ahead! (It may take 6-9 months.)

•Work with your Community & your DCNR Regional Adviser to tackle potential problems

•Once the project is ready and your match is in place…Allow yourself 3 - 4 weeks to compile and submit your Application

www.dcnr.state.pa.us grants- as easy as i, 2, 3 you want one, i’ve got one! here’s what you need...

Documents

great project design

future slide

personnel slide

project design needs

project costs

maintained project

project timetable

ada parking slide