Town staff told the Code Enforcement Board on Sept. 25 that the town will apply for two grants through the Florida Recreation Development Assistance Program (F.R.D.A.P.), aiming to replace playground equipment at Community Park and to fund improvements at Pine Tree Park as outlined in a recent master plan.

Town manager Joe (presenting staff) explained the grant structure: requests up to $50,000 are funded at 100 percent; projects between $50,000 and $200,000 receive a 75 percent state match; projects above $200,000 require a 50/50 match. The town plans to apply for two grants to maximize points in the competitive process and to pursue a 75 percent match for what staff estimated as a $100,000–$150,000 project for playground replacement.

Staff noted the town’s previous success with F.R.D.A.P. funding for pickleball courts. The town manager also told the board that grant-awarded facilities must remain open to the public for 20 years unless the town repays the grant to be released from that restriction. Staff said the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) is being considered to provide the local match so the projects would not use general taxpayer revenue.

Board members and residents asked planning and design questions, including parking, potential use of a vacant corner lot adjacent to the park, and whether the grants would include features for boats and docks. Staff emphasized the item was informational and not a vote: the discussion will be recorded in the minutes to earn application points that require review by a board other than the governing council.

Discussion vs. decision: this was an informational presentation and recorded as part of the meeting minutes to support the grant application. No formal board vote or authorization was taken at this meeting; staff indicated that any design work and funding approvals would be presented to the governing council and CRA in later phases.