Paducah seeks $1M federal grant for Coleman Park splash pad; total cost estimated $4.8M

Commissioners approved a municipal order authorizing the city to pursue a $1,000,000 Land and Water Conservation Fund grant from the National Park Service to help fund a new spray pad at Coleman Park.

Amy, the project designer, said the design phase is underway and that the construction budget is currently projected at about $4,800,000. She told the board the grant would cover $1,000,000 and the city anticipates a matching $1,000,000 contribution, leaving additional funding to be identified. "The grant isn't awarded until fall of next year, best case scenario, so we're looking at potential more inflation as well," Amy said, adding that the design allows options to scale back without losing the project's principal features.

Commissioners discussed advertising an RFP broadly and the need to identify additional grant or local funds if costs rise. The board voted unanimously to authorize the mayor to execute grant documents and proceed with the application.