Merritt applying for grant to improve park trails

The City of Merritt is applying for just over $200,000 to help improve the trails in both Rotary and Central Park.

“The trails in Rotary Park are in poor condition and need of improvements to meet guidelines. In recent years, low points on the pathway have pooled with water, causing users to walk along high points in the grass, an option that is not accessible to all ages and abilities,” said Planning Manager Don McArthur.

“In addition to improving and widening the existing pathway, there is an opportunity to connect the Rotary and Central Park pathways with the multi-use path on Voght Street,” added McArthur.

The City previously applied for a grant to complete this project but was unsuccessful.

“As this is a cost-sharing grant, with 70% funded through the Province, the City would be required to fund 30% of the project costs. Municipalities may use Gas Tax funds to pay for their share of the project,” said McArthur.

Should the City be successful, the municipality’s share of the project would be $87,419.