JACKSON, Wyo. — On Feb. 24, the Teton County/Jackson Parks and Recreation Advisory Board approved the creation of a new program to allow residents to suggest larger park projects through a formal review process. The pilot initiative — dubbed Community-Initiated Park Projects — will accept submissions for park improvements between May 1 and 31. The next submission window will be Nov. 1 to 30.
The program is a way to allow people to formally submit ideas versus calling the office ad-hoc while also providing a timeframe in which proposals can be submitted.
Teton County Public Information Specialist Kristen Waters told Buckrail that “this is the first time that we will be formally accepting proposals for community-initiated projects. The intent for these proposals is that these are projects that are outside of what is already listed in the Capital Improvement Project for Parks and Recreation.”
“The program is intended to evaluate larger capital improvement requests, typically those exceeding $7,500, including infrastructure projects such as playgrounds and sports courts,” according to a press release. “Smaller amenity requests, such as benches or plaques, are not the focus of this process.”
Community members and organizations are encouraged to propose park projects through a three-stage evaluation system. Review will begin with a staff review of project feasibility, legal compliance and operational considerations. Proposals that move to the second stage will be presented to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board for review, and those making it to the final round will be presented to Town Council and County Commissioners for potential funding and prioritization.
“If a proposal is denied for whatever reason,” Waters said, “Whether it’s a funding issue or it doesn’t align with the strategic planning for Parks and Recreation, the applicant could reapply within one calendar year so long as there are significant changes to the proposal.”
Those interested in submitting a proposal must complete a project intake form. Any project that involves specialized facilities also needs to include a preliminary operations plan.
All approved proposals will remain on an Unscheduled Capital Improvement Plan list for up to three years until they are funded or prioritized.
See the intake form here.
