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3. Park Bond Referendum <br /> • If the City of Elk River is to achieve the goals goa s and objectives <br /> of the Master Plan and Recreation Plan, it will very likely need <br /> to pass a park bond referendum. Other financial sources are <br /> simply not sufficient to provide the land and facilities that are <br /> required for a growing community. As discussed in the <br /> summary of the Community Survey, however, park bond <br /> referendums are difficult to pass and require good planning, <br /> timing and careful consideration of priorities. This will be a <br /> major task of the Park and Recreation Commission. <br /> 4. User Fees <br /> User fees may help to fund maintenance and operation costs for <br /> special facilities and, in some cases, could fund some <br /> improvements. User fees, however, cannot be applied to many <br /> of the recreation activities and would not fund major capital <br /> improvements. <br /> 5. Donations <br /> 40, <br /> Many parks and recreation programs are benefiting from <br /> donations from charitable organizations. Although <br /> organizations (suck as the Lions Club) have traditionally <br /> supported parks and recreation,the popularity of charitable <br /> gambling (bingo and pull-tabs) has dramatically increased the <br /> money available to donations. It is not uncommon for cities to <br /> fund major land acquisition and capital improvements from <br /> charitable gambling proceeds in addition to recreation <br /> programs. The City of Elk River may want to review the <br /> present activities and policies regarding charitable gambling. <br /> 6. State and Federal Outdoor Recreational Grants <br /> The Department of Trade and Economic Development of the <br /> State of Minnesota administers the state and federal outdoor <br /> recreation grant programs. Although funding is very <br /> competitive,this grant program should definitely be pursued by <br /> the City of Elk River. Grants should be sought for major park <br /> improvements such as trails, ballfields, tennis and basketball <br /> courts, docks, boat launches and many other activities. <br /> Acquisition of land is also an eligible item, however, the process <br /> • is lengthy and cumbersome. Grants are usually on a 50-50 <br /> matching basis. <br /> 115 <br />