The City of Hansen was awarded $250,000 in CDBG funds for playground and accessibility upgrades to two of their community parks, Hansen City Park and Rolling Hills Park — both of which were outdated, over 25 years old, deteriorating and unsafe.
Each year, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) provides states with CDBG funds to use for projects that benefit low and moderate-income communities, help prevent or eliminate blight conditions and address damage caused by natural disasters. Allowable projects include public facilities construction and infrastructure improvements, economic development projects, senior and community centers and public parks.
Adeanna Jenkins, a Community Development Planner at Region IV Development, is the grant administrator for the project.
Jenkins said the upgrades are a welcome addition to the City of Hansen, facilitating gatherings at the parks and a safe place for children to play.
Organizations like Head Start will once again be able to take their students to the park for learning opportunities and school events.
The Hansen Library will offer interactive outings, like story walks, and children with disabilities will be able to enjoy ADA-accessible swings and sensory toys included in the project.
The city committed more than $50,000 in matching funds and in-kind services toward the project. With the help of CDBG funding, Hansen will be able to replace the old playground equipment with new, safe and accessible structures and ground surfacing, as well as new outdoor fitness equipment for adults.
“These parks will be much more inviting with new playgrounds,” Jenkins said. “This program would not be as successful without Idaho Commerce employees being so good to work with. They are always available for questions and to help us develop and administer projects.”
Learn more about the CDBG program here.
Read more success stories in our annual report here.