Title
Grant Application for the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation - Quality of Life Grant - Direct Impact (Tier 1)
Action
ACTION:
1) Approve submission of an application for The Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation - Quality of Life Grant - Direct Impact (Tier 1) for $24,999.
2) If awarded, recognize, receive, and appropriate to the General fund (0001) up to $24,999 within Park and Recreation for the duration of the grant.
3) Adopt the required grant project ordinance for the grant in the General Fund (0001).
Staff Contact: Peter Cook, Deputy Director , Park and Recreation Department
Karla Gray, ADA Compliance Officer, Park and Recreation Department
Presentation: No
BACKGROUND/JUSTIFICATION:
Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation Department is requesting approval to apply for and receive, if awarded, a Fall 2025 Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation - Quality of Life Grant - Direct Impact (Tier 1) for up to $24,999. This grant will be used to create the next phase of an Adaptive Equipment Loaner Program.
The goals of the Adaptive Equipment Loaner program are to: 1) Reduce barriers to recreational access for individuals who have disabilities, 2) Increase participation of people with disabilities in outdoor pursuits, 3) Offer safe, functional, and inclusive equipment options, and 4) Allow participants to explore new recreational pursuits and experiences.
During the next phase of this program, the following are examples of equipment that may be included: Adaptive hiking poles, adaptive (non-motorized) hiking wheelchairs, adaptive fishing equipment, digital talking compasses, or motion stabilizing binoculars.
In this next phase, Individuals who have disabilities often face barriers when it comes to participating in outdoor recreational pursuits. These barriers include cost of adaptive equipment needed to participate. An adaptive recreation equipment loaner program reduces...
Click here for full text