County considers RCO grant for fairgrounds irrigation and grandstand accessibility upgrades

County staff said an upcoming Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO) grant could fund additional irrigation work and modifications at the county fairgrounds, and they are collecting construction estimates to determine eligibility and funding needs.

The facilities manager told the board that the same RCO grant that previously funded irrigation work is opening again with a November application deadline. She said she would investigate whether barrel racing and other fairground activities would make the grandstand and related infrastructure eligible for funding. Staff have contacted Mountain Construction for an estimate to upgrade the grandstand, and the preliminary recommendation was to extend the platform about 3.5 feet and connect existing ramps so the West Grandstand ramp could be used for access on both sides; the east end could include stairs similar to the west.

Staff described preparations ahead of fairs and events: Department of Corrections crews will tamp and refresh stalls, and volunteers painted small buildings. The facilities manager said she will work with Tracy and the DOC to prepare the indoor and outdoor arenas for a horse show in late August and will bring firm cost estimates for any grant application.

Next steps: staff will obtain construction estimates, confirm grant eligibility for grandstand work, and continue pre-fair maintenance; if eligible, staff will prepare an RCO grant application by the stated deadline.