ITEM: 12.2 ADMINISTRATION - Jim Kappelhoff, Park and Recreation Director
Title
AUTHORIZE THE CITY OF BLAINE TO ENTER INTO A SUBCONTRACT AGREEMENT WITH ANOKA COUNTY FOR A GRANT IN THE MAXIMUM AMOUNT OF $18,000 FUNDED FROM THE STATEWIDE HEALTH IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM (SHIP) FOR 2012-13.
Background
The City of Blaine partnered with the Anoka County Community Health and Environmental Services (CHES) Department's 2009-2011 Statewide Health Improvement Program to implement strategies that enhance walk-ability, bike-ability and active transportation as well as improve access to recreational facilities. The first phase accomplishments resulting from the SHIP grant include:
· Installed 69 trail distance "way-finding" signs throughout twenty five parks.
· Created and distributed 17,000 Park & Trail Maps for major trails, trail distances and loops.
· Conducted six community events promoting physical activity including: geo-caching, walking, running and biking events.
· The City of Blaine City Council voted unanimously to adopt a tobacco-free parks policy. The policy took effect on January 1, 2011 and includes all playgrounds, shelters, buildings, and athletic fields.
The City of Blaine again has the opportunity to partner with Anoka County through an agreement that would provide a maximum of $18,000 SHIP Grant Funding in 2012-2013. The City would continue work with CHES to implement policy, system and environmental changes that create active communities and ultimately improve community health with emphasis on high-risk neighborhoods. The goal is to create and maintain safe and convenient places to be physically active for people regardless of age by designing and/or redesigning systems that decrease the barriers preventing citizens from engaging in routine physical activity.
Recommendation
By motion, authorize the City of Blaine to enter into a subcontract agreement with Anoka County for a grant in the maximum amount of $18,000 funded from the Statewide Health Improvement Program (SHIP) for 2012-13.