The City of Wilton Manors Secures $356,752 in Grant Funding from Broward County to Further Enhance Mickel Park

WILTON MANORS, Fla., March 24, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- With 15 National Wildlife Habitat-certified Parks, the City of Wilton Manors is proud to offer residents and visitors a world-class park system. Thanks to unused funds in Broward County's 2000 Park and Open Space Trust Fund, the City of Wilton Manors has been awarded a $356,752 grant to enhance the newly renovated Mickel Park, located between NW 7^th Avenue and Powerline Avenue.

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"Since we completed improvements at Mickel Park, there has been growing momentum in private reinvestment and revitalization by both residents and commercial property owners in western Wilton Manors. The next enhancements, made possible by this grant, will offer wonderful additions to this vibrant park," said Mayor Gary Resnick.

In 2015, Mayor Resnick learned that there were unused funds in Broward County's 2000 Park and Open Space Trust Fund that had been approved by the county's voters. He personally reached out to Commissioner Tim Ryan (the City's county commission representative) and other members of the County Commission requesting such funds to support the Mickel Park redevelopment.

At the March 8, 2016, Broward County Commission meeting, the Commission unanimously approved $356,752 to fund additional improvements for Mickel Park. The planned improvements include an ADA-compliant splash pad, new energy efficient lighting for the ball field (which will save the City thousands in utility costs), and an electric vehicle charging station.  

The City's Parks Master Plan identified Mickel Park (f/k/a Mickel Field) for reprogramming to provide additional amenities. With the assistance of a volunteer focus group, the Recreation Advisory Board, neighborhood participants, and the City Commission, a master plan for Mickel Park was created. 

The City invested $1.4 million for Phase I renovations of Mickel Park, which were completed in July 2015. Phase I renovations included a baseball/softball field, a fitness zone, a volleyball court, an entertainment pavilion with a stage and a bar, a new facility meeting room, and a quarter-mile walking trail, which was funded in part by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection's (FDEP) Recreational Trails Program.

To learn more about the parks in the City of Wilton Manors, including Mickel Park, or to rent any of the City's facilities, parks or gazebos, visit http://bit.ly/cityparks or call (954) 390-2130.

ABOUT THE CITY OF WILTON MANORS
Wilton Manors was laid out in 1925 by Edward John "Ned" Willingham, a land developer from Georgia, as an upscale residential community. It was recognized as a Village in 1947 and incorporated as a City in 1953. Today, the City of Wilton Manors offers all the benefits of a big city from shopping, to hip restaurants and bars, a burgeoning arts community and tons of community events, yet still maintains a cozy, community-feeling offering miles of natural waterways perfect for kayaking, paddle boarding and other outdoor activities. Recently named the "Second Gayest City" in the United States, the City of Wilton Manors celebrates a diverse population of approximately 12,000 residents. To learn more about the live, work and play opportunities in Wilton Manors call (954) 390-2100 or visit www.wiltonmanors.com.

CONTACT: Laurie Menekou, (954) 732-0754 (or) [email protected]

SOURCE The City of Wilton Manors