SIDNEY -- The Sidney City Council Tuesday approved applying for an $800,000 grant for development of the Northside Park.

The grant is through the Rural Community Recovery Program. 

According to a memo from Sidney Economic Development Director Brandy Stone, the grant would be another possibility to assist with funding the Northside Park project.

The project scope includes creating design plans and project cost estimates for engineering and construction, to enhance and upgrade the approximately two-acre Northside Park. These plans will include adding new, ADA accessible playground equipment, exercise equipment, the construction of multi-use paths through the park, construction of reasonable-sized community pavilion, a splash pad, and the possible addition of a public restroom, educational signage, way finding signage and native and/or drought tolerant landscaping, according to the presented memorandum.

The memo says the RCRP program is a one-time fund for grants to political subdivisions in the state to build strong and healthy communities through investment in neighborhoods. One of the purposes of the grant is revitalization of public spaces. 

City Manager David Scott said the City is also applying for grants through the Nebraska Game and Parks. He said RCRP funds could be used as matching funds for Game & Parks grants.