Commissioners asked to seek $200,000 from Cumberland to leverage Willowbrook Outdoor Wellness Complex phase 2

County staff and project partners updated the board on the Willowbrook Outdoor Wellness Complex and requested help leveraging local funding for the next phase. Presenters said an appraisal for donated land was accepted by DNR and the National Park Service and that $1,200,000 of funding has already been committed; the county has the opportunity to leverage additional resources up to about $1.8 million. Project elements for the next phase include a turf field with lighting, a building with storage and restrooms, adjacent grass fields and required parking.

Staff requested the commissioners ask the City of Cumberland to consider $200,000 in local funding to improve leverage for grants and to enhance the project's competitiveness. Presenters suggested the county could combine cash contributions and in-kind services but said cash would be preferred because of staffing constraints. Commissioners expressed support in concept and said a letter could come from either the county administrator (Jason) or staff recommending the request; staff said the city council would still need to consider any contribution.

Project funding already cited in the meeting includes past program open space commitments and the accepted land appraisal, and staff said they would continue to pursue program open space and other sources. No formal county appropriation or vote occurred at this session; staff said the request for a city contribution would be delivered as a letter and that further action, if any, would be taken by the appropriate governing body.