Where the money goes: how recent UPARR grant recipients have improved urban recreation opportunities. (History: UPARR at 25).

This year marks the 25th anniversary of the creation of the Urban Park and Recreation Recovery Program (UPARR). Throughout the year, Parks & Recreation will highlight the history and accomplishments, and look at the future, of this crucial program. As we go to press, the continued legislative and executive branch support for UPARR is unclear. We hope that learning more about UPARR's history will motivate you to work with your federal legislators to ensure its future.

We invite NRPA members who have utilized UPARR grants to share your stories. Contact Scott Douglas at [e-mail].

As its name indicates, the Urban Park and Recreation Recovery Program (UPARR) exists to help repair and revive urban recreation sites. But just what does that entail?

Below are the UPARR grant recipients from Fiscal Year 2002, telling in their own words how the small amounts of resources allotted to them will make large differences in the life of their communities.

City                              Amount of Award  Use of Award

Huntsville, Ala.                  $214,474         Clavary Hills
Community Center was built in 1972 and is located in a Community
Development Block Grant target area. A leaking roof has done
considerable damage to the roof decking, ceiling tiles, flooring and
public address system. In addition, the HVAC is 31 years old and
doesn't work properly. The existing floor plan is also inadequate to
accommodate the needs of the community. UPARR funding will be used to
replace the roof, HVAC system and interior lighting. The funds will
also help renovate the kitchen and interior space of the building to
accommodate the needs of the community.

Little Rock, Ark.                 $543,400         The recreational
facilities at the south end of Swaggerty Creek Park are unsuitable for
recreation use. For instance, two basketball courts are deteriorated to
the point of being unusable. The picnic and play areas are unsafe, and
have been fenced to prohibit entry. The backstop at the
softball/baseball field is in disrepair, while the bleachers are
unsafe. UPARR funding will correct these problems and restore these
needed recreational opportunities. In addition, new lights will be
added to expand the hours of park operation for additional recreation
programs.

Concord, Calif.                   $156,634         Cambridge Park
serves a large Hispanic population in a low-income neighborhood. The
park is the only open space in the area, and thus is heavily used for
formal and informal soccer games. There are no permanent restrooms or
drinking fountains available in the park. The current restroom
facilities are temporary and are inadequate for the level of use. UPARR
funding will provide a permanent restroom facility with access for the
disabled.

East Palo Alto, Calif.            $300,000         The recreation
facilities at Martin Luther King Jr. Park have deteriorated
significantly owing to overuse and fiscal constraints, and had to be
closed at the end of 2001 as a result of safety concerns. UPARR funding
will replace the baseball field with a multipurpose field. In addition,
the walking paths and landscaping will be replaced and lighting added.

Fresno, Calif.                    $285,073         The Fink-White
Playground Park was developed in 1938. Most of the current recreation
facilities and structures are more than 40 years old and in need of
rehabilitation. UPARR funding will be used to provide new lighting for
the basketball courts and ball fields, and to convert two tennis courts
to multipurpose courts. The project will also provide a new children's
water feature and construct 1,000 feet of walkways to allow handicap
access to all park features. The kitchen in the neighborhood community
center located in the park will also be brought up to safety codes.

Indio, Calif.                     $42,500          The playground
equipment in Miles Park is considerably dilapidated. UPARR funding will
replace the playground equipment with new features, install accessible
surfaces and fencing, as well as help rehabilitate the surrounding
landscaping.

Inglewood, Calif.                 $89,250          In three city
parks, the children's playground equipment is outdated and possess
significant safety hazards. Some of the most serious problems have
already been removed. UPARR funding will replace the playgrounds'
equipment with new handicapped-accessible equipment. In addition, new
protective safety matting will be installed.

Long Beach, Calif.                $907,675         Silverado Pool is a
year-round indoor pool built in 1961; it hasn't been refurbished in
more than 20 years. Currently, its mechanical and electrical systems
are not up to code, the roof leaks and the ventilation system is
inefficient. In addition, the pool and facilities aren't accessible to
the handicapped. UPARR funding will repair the roof, bathhouse and
lifeguard/staff areas to resolve safety, access and maintenance issues.

Oakland, Calif.                   $482,800         Willow Park is
located in a distressed densely populated neighborhood and has suffered
greatly owing to the distressed conditions. Basketball courts, play
structures, picnic facilities and pathways are significantly
dilapidated. UPARR funding will fix these facilities, creating a new
playground and basketball courts, and improving the landscaping.

San Francisco, Calif.             $773,150         Holly Park was
originally developed in 1954. UPARR funding will bring the deteriorated
restroom facilities and unsafe playground equipment up to current
safety and health codes. Funding will also be used to resurface
cracking basketball and tennis courts, and improvements to pathways
will provide for disabled access throughout the park.

Stockton, Calif.                  $1,000,000       Recreation
facilities at Edna Gleason Park were removed in 1994 owing to safety
concerns, while increased criminal activity resulted in the park's
closure in 2000. UPARR funding will reopen the park by renovating the
basketball courts, installing new walkways and a restroom building, and
improving the landscaping.

Turlock, Calif.                   $119,069         Broadway Park Wading
Pool was constructed in 1947 and hasn't undergone significant
renovation since then. Currently, the pool isn't accessible to the
handicapped, and the pool's bottom and deck have developed cracks with
uneven surfaces that pose a safety hazard to pool users. The city has
kept it operable despite the risk and high maintenance for fear that
the current users would use a nearby irrigation canal for unsupervised
swimming. UPARR funding will replace it with an automated spray water
feature, which is accessible to the disabled.

San Joaquin County, Calif.        $160,790         Boggs Tract and
Raymus Village ball fields are unstable for either practice or
competition. Gopher holes and general poor turf conditions,
deteriorated or missing facilities are among some of the problems with
the fields. The County Parks Department seeks funding to bring the
fields up to a standard for use by the Little League. UPARR funding
will provide for the complete reconstruction of the ball fields,
including replacement/repair of fencing, supplemental fill, regrading
and reseeding, and spectator improvements.

City and County of Denver, Colo.  $235,000         Elyria Park
recreational facilities are in a state of severe deterioration.
Currently, the tennis courts are closed to the public owing to unsafe
surface condition, while use of the ball fields is limited because poor
drainage that results in frequent flooding of the home plate area.
UPARR funding will be used to convert the tennis court in a
multipurpose skate facility. The funds will also be used to rehab the
ball field and a playground.

Bridgeport, Conn.                 $348,993         A variety of
recreation and support facilities at the Longfellow, Success,
Washington and Alice Street neighborhood parks are in critical
condition from overuse and delinquent activities. UPARR funding will be
matched with private funding to address these issues to improve safety
and expansion recreation program opportunities.

New Britain, Conn.                $355,000         The Willow Brook
Park Pool has been closed since 1995 because an underground pipe leak
caused the pool decking to collapse and undermine the pool's concrete
structure. In addition, water circulation and filtration systems are
badly deteriorated and no longer meet state health regulations. UPARR
funding would completely renovate the pool and allow for a new
interactive water play system.

New Haven, Conn.                  $365,000         DeGale Field has
never been rehabilitated, and thus faces deteriorating facilities.
UPARR funding will improve the volleyball court, sports lighting,
playscape equipment and a sitting area. The city will continue site
improvements beyond the scope of UPARR.

Tampa, Fla.                       $994,980         Cuscaden Park Pool
was built in 1937 in an historic two-story brick structure. The pool
was closed in 1998 following six decades of heavy use. It's the only
nearby pool, and its closing forced residents to other parks for
recreation and leisure activities. UPARR funds will be used to
reconfigure and renovate the shower/locker facilities, install an
elevator, replace the filtration system, install a heater for
year-round use, replace the pool and deck, and improve the parking lot.

Atlanta, Ga.                      $826,000         South Bend
Neighborhood Center currently consist of softball, baseball, football
and basketball fields, an outdoor swimming pool, children's playground,
gymnasium, picnic pavilion and a community art center. UPARR funding
will include gutting the existing structure while leaving the stone
masonry walls in place, and the entire structure rehabilitated to
include performing arts and visual art classrooms, arts and crafts
room, dark room, storage, restrooms, offices and conference rooms, all
in compliance with ADA requirements.

Chicago, Ill.                     $1,000,000       Pulaski Field House
was built in 1914 and still provides full recreation programs. However,
its roof is in critical condition, and without repair will result in
the closure of the facility. UPARR funds will be used to repair and
replace it, thereby returning the building to full use as a recreation
facility.

Fort Wayne, Ind.                  $103,256         The 50-year-old
bathhouse at the Memorial Park pool is in poor condition, with a
leaking roof and considerable vandalism damage. Repairs to the
bathhouse are needed to keep it usable, and therefore preserve the pool
operation. UPARR funds will be used to add a new roof, entrance canopy,
cultured stone siding, windows and doors.

Indianapolis, Ind.                $507,500         The King Park pool
and bathhouse will be forced to close within three years if substantial
renovation doesn't occur. The concrete pool walls have deteriorated to
the point that the pool loses approximately 150,000 gallons of water
each day. In addition, the bathhouse needs extensive renovations to
make the facility more energy-efficient, safe and accessible for park
patrons. These and other problems will be corrected by UPARR funding.

Kansas City, Kan.                 $238,875         Bethany and
Kensington Recreational Centers offer a wide variety of youth and adult
programs; however, both facilities face major problems. Bethany
Recreational Center's heating and air conditioning systems are about
30 years old, and their operation is undependable. If the systems fail,
the center will be shut down until funds are found to repair them.
Kensington Recreation Center has a 30-year-old tile roof that needs to
be replaced owing to leaks. This building also has an old deteriorating
HVAC system. UPARR funding will be used to correct these problems.

Louisville, Ky.                   $700,000         Shelby Park consists
of picnic shelter/restrooms and a basketball court that are in need of
rehabilitation. The restrooms don't meet ADA standards, and the picnic
shelter isn't accessible, with deteriorated concrete and wooden parts.
Walkways don't connect existing recreational features and are not wide
enough, and lighting is inadequate. The basketball court surface needs
to be replaced, and the old bandstand area needs to be restored. UPARR
funding will be used to complete this work.

Monroe, La.                       $501,496         Henrietta Johnson
Recreation Center is 40 years old and is the city's oldest recreation
facility. Most of the original design features and fixtures from the
1960s still exist. The facility is deteriorated, and conditions have
escalated to the point where full use of the building is no longer
possible. An emergency assessment estimated that 40 percent of the
facility is in critical condition. UPARR funds will be used to replace
the gym bleachers, replace/repair HVAC components, repair the stage,
install new lighting, replace room dividers, repair restroom plumbing,
repair the facade to include window replacement, canopies and a walkway
between both front entrances, convert a poorly drained mosquito
infested area into a tot lot and provide landscaping with a sprinkler
system.

Boston, Mass.                     $1,000,000       Hemenway, O'Day,
Trotter and Walker neighborhood parks each contains outdated and
deteriorated facilities. Their rehabilitation will assure that critical
recreation needs are met in these distressed neighborhoods.

Springfield, Mass.                $300,000         UPARR funding will
be used to update Magazine Park recreation facilities by removing the
closed ball field and unsafe play equipment and replacing it with a
youth soccer field and water spray equipment.

Baltimore, Md.                    $1,000,000       In densely populated
Baltimore, school playgrounds are the most important recreation
resource for children within walking distance of home. Seven Baltimore
public elementary school playgrounds are outdated and pose major safety
concerns. UPARR funding will be used to replace the existing playground
equipment and surfacing, create ADA-accessible walks and play elements,
basketball court renovations and landscaping.

Lewiston, Maine                   $46,667          Pierce Street Park
comprises two acres at the base of a steep hillside surrounded by
multi-family apartments in the city's federally designated Enterprise
Community. Acquired and developed by the city in the early 1970s, a
number of the playground features have been removed owing to poor
conditions. UPARR funding will provide the money needed to bring this
neighborhood park back to life. Two swing sets, a water feature, tables
and benches, and playground equipment will be replaced to once again
turn this into a useful, attractive area.

Portland, Maine                   $63,700          Tate-Tyng Playground
is a small neighbor park that consists of a steep asphalt grade, which
is weathered and inappropriate for safe play. UPARR funds will correct
that by installing a climbing wall and water play feature.

Detroit, Mich.                    $950,000         Peterson Playfield
is in critical condition. Backstops at the ball diamonds have holes and
are detached from their frames. The benches for the players are in
disrepair. There are no bleachers for spectators. Water fountains and
restroom no longer exists. In addition, basketball and tennis courts
are cracked and infested with weeds. UPARR funds will be used to
restore the park, including football/soccer fields, baseball and
softball diamonds, tennis courts, basketball courts, comfort station
and water fountain, accessible playscapes, water spray area,
picnic/activity areas and a walking path.

County of Genesee, Mich.          $206,774         Penny Whistle Place,
located at Bluebell Beach, was a major "pay for play" feature that was
closed in 2000 owing to safety conditions. A feasibility study
conducted in 2000 determined that Penny Whistle Place was no longer
safe for public use. The facility was demolished in March 2002. Since
1999, water-quality problems have forced the closing of Bluebell Beach
for swimming on many occasions throughout the season. UPARR funding
will be used to install a barrier-free playground and aquatic feature
spray ground to expand aquatic alternatives.

County of Wayne, Mich.            $121,968         In 1997, the city
council had existing park equipment and facilities at Cicotte Baseball
Park removed owing to poor conditions and safety concerns. Without the
necessary financial resources to rehabilitate, the park was closed
until resources could be identified. Baseball and softball leagues are
the largest organized athletic activity in the community; thus,
rehabilitating the baseball park is necessary to meet increasing demand
for game and practice fields. Consequently, UPARR funds will be used
for rebuilding the infield, install backstop, player's benches,
bleachers, perimeter fencing and landscaping.

Minneapolis, Minn.                $500,000         Hall and Harrison
Park Playgrounds have wooden and metal equipment that's worn and
outdated. Despite the efforts of maintenance crews, children continue
to get injured unnecessarily. Moreover, the rest of the facilities in
this park are worn. UPARR funding will be used to build new play
structures, benches, picnic tables and game tables. In addition, the
asphalt pathways and basketball court will be resurfaced.

Kinloch, Mo.                      $145,493         Condition of both
Boyd O'Guinn and Kinloch County Parks is critical. Boyd O'Guinn Park
has 15-year-old metal playground equipment that's broken and doesn't
meet current safety or ADA standards. In Kinloch County Park, restrooms
have been closed for two years, and the drinking fountain hasn't
provided clean drinking water for many years. UPARR funding will help
to replace obsolete playground equipment, restrooms, drinking
fountains, spray pool, ball fields, bleachers and numerous support
facilities to resolve safety, access and program issues.

Saint Louis, Mo.                  $531,300         Chambers Park was
acquired in 1966 and will receive comprehensive rehabilitation through
UPARR funding. This project includes playground and bathroom/pool
filtration building removal, and replacement and renovation of a
baseball field, basketball courts, benches and concrete surfaces.

Durham, N.C.                      $300,000         Long Meadow Park,
a 9.6-acre park in northeast central Durham, is the location of one of
the city's three swimming pools. This UPARR project includes the
construction of two bridges, a new multi-purpose playground, renovated
athletic fields, improved pedestrian circulation, pool area
improvements, new picnic facilities and renovated basketball courts.

Rocky Mount, N.C.                 $54,670          Booker T. Washington
Community Center Gymnasium was once Booker T. Washington High School
for African Americans (1926-1969). It continues as a source of pride
and identity to the African American community, but is in need of major
rehabilitation. This UPARR grant will help to repair the leaking roof
and damaged ceilings, replace the boiler system and refinish the gym
floor.

Omaha, Neb.                       $311,285         Kellom Greenbelt,
Binney/Wirt/Spence and Franklin parks are in poor/deteriorated
condition as a result of fiscal constraints throughout the system. This
UPARR grant includes playgrounds, pathways, basketball courts, fencing,
landscaping and a shelter.

Bayonne, N.J.                     $136,000         228th Street Park,
closed in September 2001 owing to vandalism, was the only park serving
the neighborhood. The 0.19-acre facility included swings, play
equipment, benches and a basketball court. Rehabilitation through UPARR
funding will include a handicapped-accessible jungle gym, one set each
of toddler, adult and accessible swings, safety surface, water
fountain, fence and sidewalks, basketball court surface repair and
accessible basketball hoop.

Camden, N.J.                      $364,890         The following nine
parks and recreation sites will be rehabilitated under UPARR funding:
Stanley Park, Farnham Park, Eli Perry Park, Morgan Village Community
Center, Malandra Hall Community Center, Cramer Hall Community Center,
North Camden Community Center, Isabel Miller Community Center and Angel
Perez Community.

Hoboken, N.J.                     $50,606          Church Street Square
will be rehabilitated and services expanded by the development of a
toddler playground. The square also serves a neighboring day-care
facility with 484 toddlers from low-income households.

Newark, N.J.                      $1,000,000       The 3.3-acre Mildred
Helms Park will be renovated through a partnership with The Trust for
Public Land's Newark City Spaces Program, which has completed work on
six playgrounds in Newark since 1995. The park and playground are aging
and heavily used. Play equipment has been removed owing to
deterioration, and the park is now used for illicit activity owing to
lack of facilities and equipment and poor visibility from the street.
Renovations through UPARR funding will include new play equipment
appropriate to both pre-school and school-age children, basketball
courts, benches, tables, fencing and lighting and improvements to turf
and shade trees. A spray area will also be added.

Perth Amboy, N.J.                 $280,075         Washington Park
rehabilitation will remove a defunct shuffleboard court and wading pool
dating to the 1930s. They will be replaced with a skateboard facility,
a baseball field will be repositioned and renovated, playground
equipment will be replaced and protective safety surfaces installed. An
oval walking/jogging path will replace deteriorated and unsafe paths.

Vineland, N.J.                    $280,840         UPARR funding will
help renovate five city parks. Roberto Clemente Park will be improved
with replacement fencing, water fountain and picnic facilities.
Normandie Lane will also receive new fencing and basketball backboards
and turf. New basketball backboards, fencing, water fountain and picnic
facilities will be provided at Gonzalez Park. Pool replacement and a
reconstructed basketball court will be provided at Carl Arthur
Recreation Area, and a recreation path and new turf at Landis Park.

N. Las Vegas, Nev.                $70,000          Hartke Park
Recreation Center was built in 1975 and hasn't been renovated since.
This facility contains asbestos and has a leaking roof. The asbestos is
starting to deteriorate to the point where particles are now found
throughout the building. UPARR funding will remove the asbestos and
provide a new roof.

New York, N.Y.                    $1,000,000       Columbus Park
Pavilion is located in the World Trade Center Disaster Recovery Zone
and is one of the few park sites serving the Chinatown neighborhood.
Built in 1897, the pavilion is currently in a state of disrepair. UPARR
funding will correct problems with the floor and the surrounding
wrought iron fencing and roof will be replaced. ADA and safety issues
will also be addressed. This work will allow a community activity space
to be established in the lower enclosed level.

Syracuse, N.Y.                    $280,000         UPARR funding for
Wilson Park and Recreation Center rehabilitation will include
relocation of the playground to a safer spot within the park. The
renovation of recreation center will help improve handicap
accessibility, thus allowing for expanded recreation opportunities.

Cincinnati, Ohio                  $500,000         Hopkins Park, one of
Cincinnati's oldest parks, was most recently renovated in 1971; thus,
many of its facilities are in a state of disrepair. UPARR funding will
help develop a new entrance and flat terraces with retaining walls for
expanded play areas. In addition, new playground equipment, with safety
surfacing and game courts, will be built. Lastly, features such as
walkways, benches, game tables, picnic shelter and landscaping will
also be improved.

Cleveland, Ohio                   $478,403         Lincoln Park was
purchased by the city in 1879 and hasn't had significant work done to
its facilities in some time. As a result, the playground is in poor
condition, with many of the original structures removed owing to safety
concerns. The central gazebo is in critical condition and faces
closure, while the vintage 1950s pool needs updating to encourage the
neighborhood residents to use it for learn-to-swim programs. UPARR
funding will help provide a new playground surface and play structures.
The outdoor spray basin will be redeveloped, sidewalks will be replaced
as well as the outdoor furniture and lighting. The closed comfort
station will be removed and landscape improvements will be made.

Columbus, Ohio                    $1,000,000       The rehabilitation
of Beatty Recreation Center will help complete the improvements of the
center. The project will renovate an existing, unused parking lot for
handicap accessibility; replace the bleachers, renovate the interior
courtyard, kitchen and support facilities; add computer room
furnishings; and reconfigure the auditorium and center space.

Dayton, Ohio                      $421,330         The roof of the
Northwest Community Center is in need of replacement owing to age.
UPARR funding will help replace the entire roof, including the
fiberglass translucent portion over the Dabney Pool portion of the
facility. Not only will the roof replacement improve the appearance of
the facility, it will also increase energy efficiency, especially in
the pool area, and enhance the structural integrity of the facility.

Toledo, Ohio                      $231,476         Savage Park is
Toledo's first city park, purchased in 1871. UPARR funding will be used
to complete the second phase of the park's rehabilitation and will help
complete renovation of the community building, which had deteriorated
owing to age, heavy use and lack of funding. The grant will also
improve the outdoor recreation space adjacent to the new water play
area. The second floor will be renovated, and the path system, picnic
area, shuffleboard courts and horseshoe pits will be reconstructed.
The proposed renovation includes improving handicap access.

Lucas County, Ohio                $50,842          The ball fields and
outdoor shelter at Irwin Park will be completely renovated and improved
through UPARR funding. The park was acquired and developed in the early
1970s and is located adjacent to public and low-income housing units,
and through the years has seen heavy and intense use.

Portland, Ore.                    $525,000         The University Park
Community Center Gym/Auditorium will be rehabilitated with UPARR
funding. The center was built in 1942, and though portions of this
community center have been, or are currently being remodeled, the gym
remains essentially in its original condition, and now faces closure
owing to severe building and fire code violations. This project
includes structural work; replacing primary utilities; adding air
conditioning; improving energy efficiency with new lighting, doors,
windows and rebuilding exterior walls to include insulation; restoring
the performing stage; and adding accessible ingress and egress routes
for the mobility impaired.

Allentown, Pa.                    $546,596         Bucky Boyle Park is
in a high-population-density area with one of the highest crime rates
in the city. Its rehabilitation is critical to the surrounding
neighborhood, which consists of 45 percent minority and 60 percent of
low-moderate income. UPARR funding will be used to renovate the
playground and pavilion, rehab the athletic fields, pool area and
bathhouse building; remove and replace basketball courts; and improve
the parking area.

Harrisburg, Pa.                   $82,611          Braxton Playground
is a 1/4-acre facility that's critically important to neighborhood
residents. UPARR funding will help remove all outdated and worn play
apparatuses, and replace them with state-of-the-art, age-appropriate
equipment. In addition, work will also include replacing the ground
cover and park benches, removing deteriorated asphalt and creating a
lawn area to accommodate organized activities for the summer.

Philadelphia, Pa.                 $905,000         Kingsessing
Recreation Center is a neighborhood walk-to facility that serves 27,000
residents. The recreation center building has been systematically
rehabilitated by the city and is in good condition; however, the
outside active play areas and pool have significantly deteriorated.
UPARR funding consists of renovating the play areas, including removing
outdated equipment; restoring fields to re-establish baseball and
soccer programs; reconstructing tennis and basketball areas and the
swimming pool to include a new concrete shell and decking, as well as
improvements to the filtration, electrical and plumbing systems.

Reading, Pa.                      $195,925         The parks at 9th and
Marion and 6th and Amity are the only recreational facilities of their
kind for each of their service areas. UPARR funding will replace play
equipment and safety surfaces at both sites. In addition, the pavilion
at the park at 9th & Marion will be rehabilitated, and site lighting at
the park at 6th & Amity will be upgraded. Accessibility for the
handicapped will also be improved at both sites.

Guaynabo, Puerto Rico             $153,475         Barrio Rio Park
serves a population of approximately 2,811 people. The park is now
closed owing to severe deterioration and unsafe conditions. UPARR funds
will be used to repair walkways and bridges, underground canal pipes
and sinkholes in the ball field, repair the basketball court, provide
bleachers, restrooms and a potable water system and septic tanks.

Charleston, S.C.                  $168,895         The existing
athletic field complex at Harmon Field Park is heavily used by youth
and adult organized and league play and is badly in need of repair and
improvement. The park was purchased by a wealthy philanthropist,
William Harmon, in 1927 and immediately deeded back to the city with
restrictions that stated that the park remain there as a recreational
and playground area for all persons, especially the African American
children who lived in the area. UPARR funds will regrade and install
new field turf, fence, irrigation and lighting.

Beaumont, Texas                   $260,000         Cottonwood and
Magnolia parks, two inner city neighborhood parks, will be renovated
with UPARR funding. The project will replace old, unsafe wooden
playground equipment with new state-of-the art play structures.
Renovation includes the demolition and removal of the unsafe playground
equipment, excavation and grading, and the installation of a drainage
system and catch basin. The project will also replace the old-style
sand and gravel safety surface material and the old wooden playground
equipment with new ADA-accessible play structure systems. The project
includes the installation of accessible sidewalks, a drinking fountain
and landscaping at each park. A small water spray playground will be
added to Cottonwood Park.

Fort Worth, Texas                 $1,000,000       The city will
renovate 14 central-city neighborhood playgrounds and replace old,
unsafe wooden playground equipment with new state-of-the art play
structures. Renovation includes the demolition and removal of the
unsafe playground equipment, excavation and grading, and the
installation of a drainage system and catch basin. The project will
replace the old-style sand and gravel safety surface material and the
20-year-old wooden playground equipment with new 3,500-square foot
ADA-accessible play structure systems. Each site will include
accessible ramps, benches, a picnic station and landscaping.

Houston, Texas                    $800,000         The facilities at
Settegast Park, while in fair condition owing to a strong commitment
to maintenance, need to be replaced before they wear out completely and
become a safety hazard. UPARR funding will be used to replace
playground equipment and surfaces. In addition, improvements will be
made to the tennis courts and day-use equipment, including picnic
tables and benches. Improvements will also be made to the multi-purpose
pavilion, the ball field and lighting in the park.

Laredo, Texas                     $385,200         Seven Flags Park
will be improved with UPARR funding. This work includes the replacement
of playground equipment and surfaces, restroom facilities and day-use
equipment, such as picnic tables and benches; conversion of an unusable
tennis court to a skate park area; installation of a multi-purpose
pavilion; and upgrades for accessibility and site improvements.

Pasadena, Texas                   $105,560         Recreation
facilities at Pasadena Highland Park face some serious issues. For
instance, the basketball court is unusable owing to cracked slabs and
rotted goal posts. Moreover, the play structures don't meet current
standards for safety and ADA guidelines. UPARR funding will be used to
correct these issues, among others. This includes replacement of
playground equipment, the basketball court and day-use equipment;
installation of a multi-purpose pavilion; upgrades for accessibility
and site improvements.

Pharr, Texas                      $180,000         Valley Community
Center Park rehabilitation will include the replacement of playground
equipment and fall surface; day-use equipment; conversion of a tennis
court to a basketball court; installation of an irrigation system and
picnic shelter; upgrades for accessibility, site improvements and a
fitness trail.

Bremerton, Wash.                  $182,280         Built in 1965, the
Glenn Jarstad pool is the only public pool in town and faces some major
health and safety issues, which UPARR funding will alleviate. The
existing HVAC system is in poor condition and inadequate, allowing
condensation to build throughout the facility, causing poor air quality
and serious damage to the structural integrity of the facility and its
equipment. Without replacement, the pool will be closed within two
years.

Seattle, Wash.                    $154,000         The Jefferson
Community Center was built in 1929. A 2001 inspection found that its
lack of a sprinkler system violates today's fire codes, and activities
at the center will be shut down if this isn't corrected. UPARR funds
will install a sprinkler system to provide increased safety throughout
the entire center.

Milwaukee, Wis.                   $209,552         The wading pool
filtration systems at Enderis Playfield, Burbank Playfield, Burnham
Playfield, Cleveland Playground, Holt Playground and Ohio Playground
will be renovated. The filtration systems at six of the city's seven
wading pool sites were constructed in 1984 and have worn out. All six
sites serve their immediate neighborhoods and are in danger of closing
if the needed repairs are not made.