The City plans to add a new park to its park system. On March 7 the City Council approved the purchase of the property at 1716 Marion St. for a park and play space that will bring much needed recreation opportunities to the area.
The City will pursue Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds to acquire the property.
CDBG is a federal program that provides communities with resources to address unique community development needs, including providing services to the most vulnerable in our communities, ensuring decent affordable housing, and creating jobs through the expansion and retention of businesses.
In 2015 the Karen Interagency Work Group, which includes city staff and community stakeholders committed to exploring ways to better serve Karen refugees living in Roseville, identified recreation opportunities as a high priority need for the Marion Street area.
The nearby apartments house a large number of Karen refugees. City staff estimate that more than 200 youth live in the apartment buildings near the Marion Street property.
In addition, the purchase meets criteria set out in the 2016 Policy Priority Plan that was adopted by the City Council.