Springhill Lake Recreation Center Seeks Federal Grant for Renovations

Renovations to are underway, but much work remains to be done as the city seeks additional funds.

At its last regular meeting, the Greenbelt City Council voted to approve staff recommendations to make Springhill Lake Recreation Center – Phase II the city's top priority for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds. The city plans to apply for a $100,000 grant to continue renovations on the center.

The council also voted to approve staff recommendations that named the Accessible Greenbelt Program as a second priority, seeking $40,000 to $50,000 in funds. Accessible Greenbelt provides home modifications for disabled adults and low-income seniors.

The Community Development Block Grant is funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. HUD would provide funds to counties such as Prince George’s, which then decide whether to grant the money to Greenbelt.

The grant is awarded to local governments and nonprofits that provide services to low- and moderate-income residents.

“We have historically used these funds for infrastructure in the Springhill Lake community to repair bus stops, sidewalks or community centers,” said David Moran, assistant city manager. “It’s the only neighborhood eligible based on census data.”

The recreation center received federal block grant funds for renovation two years ago but it was “not enough to do everything we wanted to do,” Moran said. The $100,000 will likely go toward roof and window replacements.

On Monday, Oct. 31, Joe McNeal, Assistant Director of Recreation said that by using past block grant funds along with some funding from the city, they have installed new siding in the center. He also said the funds went toward ongoing work on the center’s gymnasium, staff office, game room and conference room—where they will be replacing a small kitchenette.

In addition, work on the bathroom is nearing completion, around half the center will be repainted, the welcome counter will get a facelift and a computer lab will be added.

The city has participated in the federal block grant program for more than 30 years, Moran said. The county has made some changes to the application this year, such as new sections asking applicants to show a focus on partnerships, which Moran said the city will be able to demonstrate in Springhill Lake.

“With the recreation center, there’s a great deal of collaboration and partnerships,” Moran said. “It is owned by the city, but lots of entities and agencies use that facility: active nonprofit groups and youth programs. The improvements will benefit the city as a whole.”

The application is due Nov. 14, but Moran said he does not know when the city will hear back from the county. In the past it has taken several months. If the grant doesn’t come through, he said, the city will have seek other funding sources for the renovations.