ORDINANCE approving and authorizing submission of Grant Application for and acceptance of Grant Funds through the TEXAS PARKS & WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT for FY24 Local Park Directed Grant Funds related to improvements of Hidalgo Park for the City of Houston Parks and Recreation Department; declaring the City’s eligibility for such Grant; authorizing the Director of the Houston Parks and Recreation Department to act as the City’s representative in the application process, to apply for, accept, and expend the Grant Funds if awarded and to apply for, accept, and expend all subsequent awards, if any, pertaining to the Grant and to extend the Budget Period - DISTRICT I - GALLEGOS

The Houston Parks and Recreation Department (HPARD) requests Council approval authorizing the submission of a TPWD Local Parks Grants application for a $1,000,000.00 appropriation for Hidalgo Park improvements secured by State Representative Ana Hernandez under the 2023-2024 General Appropriations Act enacted by the 88th Texas Legislature. TPWD requires a grant application authorizing the HPARD Director or designee to act as the city’s representative with the authority to accept and expend such grant funds, as awarded, and to apply for and accept all subsequent awards, if any, pertaining to the grant. If the funding agreement is approved, the grant will be used for improvements. The agreement and State of Texas Assurances must be fully executed no later than November 30, 2023, to allow the state sufficient time to encumber the funds by the deadline of December 31, 2023. The anticipated project period is 08/01/2023 through 07/30/2027. It is anticipated that Council will be asked to approve a construction contract in 2024 for park improvements at Hidalgo Park. The total grant award is $1,000,000.00 and there is no required match.

Hidalgo Park, located at 7000 Avenue Q, Houston TX 77011, is an 11.55-acre park acquired by the City of Houston in 1927. The property is located in the Magnolia Park Super Neighborhood. The neighboring community has been involved in determining the needs of the park and will be included during the design phase of the project. Hidalgo Park improvements include revitalization of the northern section of the park with new outdoor exercise area, and the replacement and reorientation of interior walkways which will provide improved pedestrian circulation and create a better open space. The revitalization will also include restoration of the historical “quiosco” pavilion—a beloved community gathering space for cultural events and civic gatherings. The existing restroom building will receive upgrades to improve community access and use, and new benches and outdoor musical instruments will be installed. The project will also provide for needed site irrigation system for trees and other vegetation, which will be planted with resources outside the grant. The project budget will provide for project design and costs for site detention, signage, demolition, and site grading. The anticipated life span of the facilities to be funded as part of this project is a minimum of 25 years.


HPARD also requests City Council to authorize the Director or his designee to act as the City’s representative in this process with the authority to extend the budget period, and to authorize the Mayor to execute all related contracts, agreements, and documents with the approval of the City Attorney in connection with the grant not to exceed five years.


Fiscal Note: No Fiscal Note required for grant items.


Director's Signature:



_________________________________
Kenneth Allen, Director
Houston Parks and Recreation Department

Martha Escalante

(O) 832-395-7069

Houston Parks and Recreation Department