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http://www.omniture.com --> Sections Home Page Local News AP News Archives Business Classifieds Event Calendar Forums Life Opinion Obituaries Photo Gallery Readers Photo Gallery Sports Tempo Weather Special Coverage 2006 Britt Festivals --> Shop Our Valley AutoFinder HomeFinder JobFinder Search Our Valley Special Sections Homelife Magazine Joy Magazine Readers Choice 2006 Oregon Golf Info Oregon Wine Info Our Valley Other Publications Local Links Ashland News eSouthernOregon Newspapers In Education Personals Moving Here Movie Listings TV Listings Volunteer Customer Service Advertise With Us Media Kit Place Classified Ad Contact Us FAQ's Home Delivery Site Map --> Email Story to a Friend October 15, 2006 Central Point gets grant for one of two proposed park projects $50,000 will be matched by the city and put toward a playground, gazebo and drinking fountains at Blue Grass Downs By Buffy Pollock for the Mail Tribune CENTRAL POINT — City officials learned in recent weeks that one of two grant applications submitted this spring has been approved by the state Parks and Recreation Commission. Parks and Recreation Director Katherine Boxer submitted two grant requests: a $50,000 grant for the Blue Grass Downs Park along Blue Grass Drive and Jeremy Street, and a $200,000 grant for the nearly 10-acre Don Jones Park. While the grant for the larger Don Jones Park was not approved, funding for Blue Grass Downs has been guaranteed. Boxer said that with matching funds from the city budget, some $100,000 worth of playgrounds, pathways, a gazebo and drinking fountains could be added at the oak-tree dotted site. At 3.28 acres, one acre of the park will be developed as usable park space while the remaining two-plus acres will remain a wetland preserve popular with local bird watchers. While Boxer said city officials are thrilled with the $50,000 grant, the larger Don Jones Park has been a major focus for citizens who live nearby. Advertisement Including planned amenities that will bring the total cost to some $2 million, Don Jones is the city's largest park. A community forum held last year resulted in a $1.6 million master plan for the multi-use site, named for a former city mayor, to include a large playground area, sand volleyball courts, basketball courts, a loop trail, trellis and a water play area similar to those found in Medford and Ashland. Last year, the city spent $140,000 for planning, irrigation and grass for playing fields at Don Jones. "We asked for $200,000 on Don Jones, but unfortunately we were not successful this time around," Boxer said. "That was a highly competitive grant. It was down to the wire in terms of being highly competitive. "We were not selected this year, so we will reapply this next year. We're going to put an increased emphasis on partnerships within the community, and once we have the actual design, which should be completed by next spring, we'll begin submitting applications again." With city parks being one of the community's largest budget items, Samitore said system development charges pay for half of overall park construction while grants or other funds must make up the difference. "Right now we have a shortage of general fund money for parks construction, so we're pretty dependent on getting outside sources of revenue, such as grants, to construct our parks," Samitore said. Community members interested in providing input on the design of Blue Grass Downs are encouraged to attend a community planning meeting from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Nov. 14 at City Hall. For information, contact the city Parks and Recreation Department at 664-7603. Buffy Pollock is a freelance writer living in Medford. E-mail her at [email protected]. Would you like to respond to this story? If so Click Here to visit our forums. Advertisement Copyright © 1997-2006 Mail Tribune, Inc. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions | Website Feedback online casinos news Home Security Systems Windermere Van Vleet Men's Clothing Southern Oregon Loans --> GMAT Prep Fundraisers Send Flowers Texas Electric Choice Entertainment Guide --> Casinos Canada Trunks, Footlocker Online Casino Reviews Online poker at AbsolutePoker.com