Concession stands are typically great resources for park operators and youth sports leagues. Funds raised from concession sales are used to support the futures of both the programs and the facility, through revenue - sharing or concession lease agreements. Booster Park actually features a sizeable and well - equipped concession stand... with one important exception. It lacks a fire - suppression system, and has therefore been unavailable for use despite regular requests by park user groups. The final recognized need, repaired practice facilities and equipment, focuses on the former batting cage site near Field Two. Since the previous batting cage fell into disrepair, resources have not been available for a replacement.
Broken fencing was a key need identified in the Community Project Funding request.
These needs being ever - present in the minds of Parks & Recreation staff, they were excited to be made aware of federal funding opportunities available through “ Community Project Funding ” requests. Such requests are a refined form of the funding process often referred to as “ earmarking, ” so known because the process allows federal elected officials to include funding requests directly related to their district. However, it is much different than older versions of the practice. For example, all requests must align with an already existent grant program located in certain federal appropriations accounts. Furthermore, only states, localities, and non - profits are eligible to submit requests to their elected representatives. Representatives review the applications for alignment with grant opportunities and potential impact, and can seek the project ’ s inclusion in the federal funding process if they choose. The item is then included as part of a larger bill that must receive approval in the legislature (both the House of Representatives and the Senate), and be signed into law by the President. The process requires a lot of work and takes a significant amount of time. If successful, the applicant receives federal funding to complete their proposed project. Orange County is part of Virginia ’ s seventh congressional district, and our Representative is Congresswoman Abigail Spanberger. Orange County Administration and Parks & Recreation staff worked together with members of the Congresswoman ’ s staff to quickly prepare an application which demonstrated the importance of Booster Park, and the need to address the aforementioned lingering concerns. The amount requested totaled $122,590. The proposal had wide - reaching and bipartisan support. Local elected officials, the Orange County Parks & Recreation Foundation, and multiple user groups contributed letters of support for inclusion in the application. This support is a testament to the importance of Booster Park, and exemplifies our community ’ s commitment to providing quality outdoor recreation for our children. Staff completed the application and submitted it to the Congresswoman ’ s office in early April 2021. It was a “ hurry up and wait ” moment for Orange County. The request was reviewed, approved, and included, along with nine (9) other projects from the 7th district, and included as part of the federal Fiscal Year 2022 Appropriations Package. Over nearly a year, it was adjusted in the legislature, passed in the House, passed in the Senate, and finally signed into law on March 15, 2022 as Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2022, H.R. 2471. Congresswoman Spanberger visited Booster Park a week later, on March 22, 2022 to present a check representative of the funds to Orange County officials. During remarks at this event, Tim Moubray, Parks & Recreation Director, noted the pandemic made the need for these improvements more immediate. “ People turned to the outdoors to see what was there …. and they found us. Everyone started to see the benefits of not just recreation, but outdoor recreation, ” said Moubray. Congresswoman Spanberger echoed the sentiment, “ the hope is that they [Orange County citizens] will never turn back, and [will] continue recognizing the incredible benefit that exists in this park and in this community. ” Work will soon begin to address the needs outlined in the proposal. Orange County Parks & Recreation anticipates completion of the work in the fall of this year, ensuring Booster Park will be a quality resource for years to come.
Page 14 | April, 2022
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