TITLE
Recommendation to authorize City Manager to accept $61,500 in grant credit from the U.S. Soccer Foundation, to be used for the conversion of two tennis courts to two futsal courts at DeForest Park; and execute the grant agreement and any documents necessary for the administration of the project. (District 9)
DISCUSSION
Futsal is a fast growing variant of soccer for which there is an ever-increasing demand. It is played on a court instead of a field and can be played both indoors and outdoors. Futsal is played on a hard court surface delimited by lines, and with a smaller ball with less bounce than a regular soccer ball. The surface, ball, and rules create an emphasis on improvisation, creativity, and technique, as well as ball control and passing in small spaces. Skills developed on a futsal court translate very well to a full-size soccer field and the game of soccer.
As the four tennis courts at DeForest Park are currently under utilized, in September 2012, the Department of Parks, Recreation and Marine (PRM) submitted a grant application to the U.S. Soccer Foundation for $61,500 to provide special court surfacing to convert two of the tennis courts to futsal courts (Attachment). The total cost of the project is $67,500.
On January 28, 2013, PRM was notified by the U.S. Soccer Foundation that it would receive a grant credit of $61,500 in product from Sport Court, the company that has been designated to install the special court surfacing. As the tennis courts are currently concrete, Sport Court’s surfacing provides fast ball speed, foot traction, and vertical shock absorption, with lateral forgiveness that reduces strain on knees and ankles and prevents injuries. The surface also allows water, sand, and dust to pass through, which helps maintain excellent foot traction.
Partners of Parks will provide the remaining $6,000 in funding, which will be used to remove the tennis court net poles and fill the holes left behind, repair and repaint the concrete court surface, purchase goals, and provide court and directional signage.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Gary J. Anderson on February 14, 2013, and Budget Management Officer Victoria Bell on February 20, 2013.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action is requested on March 12, 2013, in order to allow timely execution of the grant agreement.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact to the City associated with the recommended action. The recommended action will result in a positive impact on jobs, although the exact number is unknown at this time.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
GEORGE CHAPJIAN
DIRECTOR OF PARKS, RECREATION AND MARINE
APPROVED:
PATRICK H. WEST
CITY MANAGER