TO: Honorable Mayor & Members of the North Port Commission
FROM: A. Jerome Fletcher II, ICMA-CM, MPA, City Manager
TITLE: Approve the Application to the AARP Community Challenge Grant Program in the Amount of $15,000 for a MobiMat for Warm Mineral Springs Park and Authorize the City Manager or the Mayor, as Applicable Under the City Charter, to Execute all Funding Documents After Legal Review, Should the Grant be Awarded to the City.
Recommended Action
Option 1: Approve the Application to the AARP Community Challenge Grant Program in the amount of $15,000 for a MobiMat for Warm Mineral Springs Park, and authorize the City Manager or the Mayor, as applicable under the City Charter, to execute all funding documents after legal review, should the grant be awarded to the City.
City Commission Options
Option 1: Approve the Application to the AARP Community Challenge Grant Program in the Amount of $15,000, and authorize the City Manager or the Mayor, as applicable under the City Charter, to execute all funding documents after legal review, should the grant be awarded to the City.
• Pros: These funds will cover the entire cost of a MobiMat for Warm Mineral Springs Park, providing increased levels of safety for attendees accessing the waters of the spring.
• Cons: There are no foreseeable cons to approving this application.
Option 2: Deny the Application to the AARP Community Challenge Grant Program in the Amount of $15,000, and authorize the City Manager or the Mayor, as applicable under the City Charter, to execute all funding documents after legal review, should the grant be awarded to the City.
• Pros: There are no foreseeable pros to denying this application.
• Cons: The City would not receive funds for the cost of the MobiMat.
Background Information
The City of North Port has applied to the AARP Community Challenge Grant Program for a MobiMat for $15,000.
To enhance accessibility and ensure that all guests can fully enjoy the therapeutic benefits of Warm Mineral Springs, Parks proposes installing a MobiMat, a high-quality roll-out pathway that provides stable and slip-resistant access over sand, grass, and other uneven surfaces. It is made of durable, eco-friendly materials and is American With Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant. The MobiMat will extend from key entry points around the Springs, offering a continuous, user-friendly pathway for individuals with limited mobility.
The AARP Community Challenge Grant Program is part of the nationwide AARP Livable Communities initiative that helps communities become great places to live for residents of all ages. The intended purpose of this program is to fund projects that benefit residents, especially those aged 50 and older, by creating vibrant public places that improve open spaces, parks, and access to other amenities.
This is a front-loaded grant, meaning the City will receive the money up front rather than request reimbursement from the granting agency once the project is complete. Notification of award is expected in Summer 2026.
Strategic Plan
Quality of Life
Financial Impact
If awarded, the City will receive $15,000 towards the purchase and installation of the MobiMat at Warm Mineral Springs Park, with a total project cost of $15,000. Matching funds are not required.
Procurement
If awarded, all relevant procurement codes, policies and procedures will be followed when purchases are made.
Attachments:
1. AARP Grant Application 2026
Prepared by: Michael J. Davey, PhD, Grants Coordinator
Valerie Malingowski, Grants Manager
Department Director: A. Jerome Fletcher II, ICMA-CM, MPA, City Manager