Agenda Date: 08/19/2025
Subject:
Title
Resolution 80-2025: Authorizing an Intergovernmental Agreement between the City of Littleton and Arapahoe County Open Spaces for the 2025 grant award regarding Powers Park Improvements
Body
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From: |
James L. Becklenberg, City Manager |
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Prepared by: |
Brent Soderlin, Director of Public Works & Utilities |
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Heather Hitzges, Executive Assistant, Public Works |
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Presentations: |
N/A |
PURPOSE:
To approve a resolution authorizing an Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) between the City of Littleton and Arapahoe County Open Spaces for the 2025 Grant Award regarding Powers Park Improvements.
LONG-TERM OUTCOME(S) SERVED:
Sustainable Community with Natural Beauty; High-Quality Governance
DISCUSSION:
Powers Park is a 4.75-acre neighborhood park located in the City of Littleton at the intersection of S Huron Street and W Powers Avenue. The main goal of this project is to provide necessary improvements and updates to the park and playground while increasing ADA access to and throughout the playground area. The current entrance on the southeast side of the park will be renovated to provide an accessible route into the park and playground area. Several improvements are proposed for the playground that will enhance the space for current and future users of all ages and abilities. The proposed play structures provide improved play value while also increasing accessibility by increasing the number of ground level play elements, installing an inclusive spinner, and providing both high and low sensory elements. The new playground safety surfacing will be poured-in-place rubber, which decreases maintenance costs and provides ADA accessibility throughout the playground area.
BACKGROUND:
Historically, the city has applied for numerous grants through the Arapahoe County Open Spaces (ACOS) grant program to make various improvements to open spaces and parks in the city limits.
The Powers Park Improvement Project is a park renovation that will enhance the park’s accessibility, functionality, and recreational value for the community. Many of the park amenities need replacement due to age and condition. The existing playground was installed in 2001, and the equipment is at the end of its useful life. The manufacturer no longer manufactures parts that fit the current equipment, so if a piece were to break it couldn’t be replaced. Also, the engineered wood fiber (EWF) safety surfacing is difficult to maintain and needs to be replaced.
Prior Actions or Discussions
Resolution 43-2025 on April 15, 2025, to approve grant request.
FISCAL IMPACTS:
Powers Park Improvements: The total estimated cost of this project is $1,600,000. The grant request will be $600,000 and the match will be $1,000,000 partnering with South Suburban Parks and Recreation ($800,000 City contribution, $200,000 South Suburban contribution).
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends approval of the resolution.
ALTERNATIVES:
Should council not approve this agreement, then this potential source of funding is lost, which may affect the city’s ability to get further grant funding from Arapahoe County, and the project design will not proceed until another funding source is identified.
PROPOSED MOTION:
Proposed Motion
I move to approve Resolution 80-2025 authorizing an Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) between the City of Littleton and Arapahoe County Open Spaces for the 2025 Grant Award regarding Powers Park Improvements.