UC Review: Community Grant Opportunities Announced for University City’s Clark Park

UC Review: Community Grant Opportunities Announced for University City’s Clark Park

University City District (UCD) and the Clark Park Partnership, a consortium that oversees park maintenance, events, policies and capital projects, has announced it will be awarding up to $3,000 for one or more projects that enhance Clark Park. University City community groups are invited to submit proposals. Eligible projects will include planting, mulching, maintenance, signage, park cleanup, or other permanent improvements to the park. (Educational or cultural programs are not eligible.)

Proposals will be reviewed by a committee comprised of representatives from Friends of Clark Park (FoCP), Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (PHS), the City of Philadelphia Department of Parks and Recreation, University of the Sciences (USP), and UCD. The winning projects will be announced on May 13, 2010 at the Party for the Park, the annual fundraising event organized by FoCP and UCD. Representatives of the winning projects will be invited to attend the party as guests.

Friends of Clark Park president Frank Chance noted that “The mini-grant program is an excellent way to get the community involved in Clark Park. And, above all else, the Park needs community involvement. Everyone who uses Clark Park and cares about Clark Park needs to be involved in the maintenance of Clark Park, and these grants are a great way to make that more possible for more people.”

“PHS is delighted to work with the many partners in University City that collaboratively care for Clark Park. This grant opportunity expands the partnership by inviting additional community groups to become involved with the park,” added Tammy Leigh DeMent, Park Project Manager at PHS.

“University City comes together in Clark Park,” said Ann Mintz, UCD’s Director of Development. “This grant program invites the community to play an even more active role in taking care of this community treasure.”

For this initial round, proposed projects must take place in the B (Baltimore to Kingsessing, 43rd to 45th) or C (Kingsessing to Woodland 43rd to 45th) section of the Park. (Any project proposed for the C section of the Park must be approved prior to submission by University of the Sciences. To obtain this approval, contact USP’s Mary Kate McGinty at mk.mcginty@usp.edu.) Projects must be completed no later than June 30, 2011. Please note: Due to construction no projects will be allowed in the A (Baltimore to Chester, 43rd to HMS Border) section of the park in this grant year.

Clark Park, a heavily used 9-acre park is home to the popular Clark Park Farmers’ Market, music festivals, youth soccer, and many other neighborhood events throughout the year

Important Dates

March 11, 2010: Guidelines and application released at http://www.universitycity.org

April 16, 2010: Applications completed and sent to:

Clark Park Community Grant Program

c/o University City District

3940 Chestnut Street

Philadelphia, PA 19104

Applications can be hand-delivered. This is a postmark deadline. Applications will not be accepted via hand delivery after 5:00 p.m. on this date.

May 6, 2010: Winners notified

May 13, 2010: Public announcement of first Clark Park Community Grants at 11th Annual Party for the Park

June 30, 2011: Grant-funded projects must be completed

Questions about this program can be directed to:

Ann Mintz

University City District

215-243-0555

ann@universitycity.org

The Clark Park Partnership meets monthly to address a range of topics relating to the park including park maintenance, events, policies and capital projects. The Partnership is chaired by Tammy Leigh DeMent of the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society and includes stakeholders such as Friend of Clark Park, UC Green, University of the Sciences in Philadelphia, the City Department of Parks and Recreation, the Philadelphia Water Department, City Office of Capital Projects, and University City District.