blank- LT-SS-2020-003-Ellensburg-Downtown Parks

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Tourism-Related, Small-Scale Municipality-Owned Capital Project Narrative 1. Project Description: Please describe the project in detail. lndicate the major work to be completed, any milestones that need to be overcome in order for the project to move forward and include a comparison of existing and proposed conditions. The scope of this project calls forthe removalof the drive thru structure of the existing bank building, located at the City owned Rotary Pavilion property. By removing the drive thru, an additional 1,600 square feet can be used as programmable space for the multitude of recreational events that take place at the site throughout the course of the year. Program organizers currently use the parking area and pavilion area to run events, which is quite restrictive. The City has a long-standing stake in this property. From September 1, 1980 to September 25, 2019, the City subleased and was responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of the Rotary Pavilion. ln late September 2019, the City was able to purchase the property with the long-term vision of creating a public park. To that end, the City contracted with WalkerlMacy, a landscape architect firm, to perform concept design services for the entire property. Consulting services included a site inventory analysis, facilitating three distinctive stakeholder meetings and preparing concept site plans. Before starting work on this project, the City Parks & Recreation Department will need to apply for a demolition permit through the City of Ellensburg Community Development Department, as well as take the project to the City Landmarks and Design Commission for their review. ln order to minimize impact on events taking place at the Rotary Pavilion, work could begin sometime in the late winter or early spring of 2021.. 2. Kittitas County Tourism lnfrastructure Plan: Please explain how the project meets the goals and priorities in the Kittitas County Tourism lnfrastructure Plan as adopted. Also, describe the specific county tourism infrastructure needs the project addresses and how the project directly increases tourism. Explain how the improvements will promote tourism in Kittitas County and indicate specifically how the improvements will directly increase economic activity resulting from tourists (see the definition of tourist on page 3 of this application), The development of this property will benefit tourism by creating a unique "destination" multi-purpose park in a centralized public space, The space will dramatically increase programming opportunities that attract visitors to our community. A park of this type becomes a signature attraction and prime marketing tool for conventions, businesses, and tourism. Organized programming opportunities include but are not limited to, event and festivals for arts, food, music, movies, sports, and holidays. When a potential visitor comes to an event, they have made or will make additional I arrangements which can include hotels/motels, restaurants, fuel, retail, and recreational adventures. This addition economic activity positively impacts the community, as well as the communities traveled through to get to a destination, The Rotary Pavilion is uniquely situated in a location that makes it useful and usable year-round. There are many tourists that attended events in Ellensburg that last more than three days length. Of note are the Ellensburg Rodeo which boasts over 60,000 tourists each year, ln support of the Rodeo are several events that occur at the Rotary Pavillon such as the Rodeo Kick-Off breakfast, and the Hoedown in the Downtown. lt's not a reach to suggest that most of the Rodeo attendees have lodging in Ellensburg,