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If the Town of La Conner’s $539,325 proposal for developing the Maple Avenue park at Talbott Street is approved, funds will be awarded next June. Town Administrator Scott Thomas provided the Weekly News a $491,220 preliminary costs list developed in April for the grant, noting that it was not a complete budget and that inflation cushions and 12% in soft costs for engineering and permit fees were not included.

The budget has 11 segments of line items, with an overhead shade sail, the most interesting feature and most expensive, at $81,500, 16.6% of the budget. Almost as high is a contingency fund, $81,900, 16.7%; $80,000 for landscaping and fieldwork: native plants, sod, cut, fill, trees, split rail fence, 16.3%; concrete work, $74,800, 15.2%; children play area, $72,620, 14.8%; $33,000 for sidewalk and street improvements on Talbott Street, 6.7%.

The proposal budgets $20,000 for adding art to panels at the entry, 4.1%. There is $11,000 for the drinking fountain, including hook up, Smaller expenses include picnic tables and other items, down to $5,200.

The proposal, submitted to the Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program in May, has had its technical review. Project application evaluations are in August with preliminary approval in October then sent to the governor.

The Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program provides funding for local and state parks for a broad range of land protection and outdoor recreation. The proposal asks for almost $270,000; a 50% match is required.

The site is the Town’s portion of the former Hedlin’s ballfield. Plans call for construction of age-appropriate play structures, a tricycle track, seating areas and picnic tables and construction of an adjoining parking area.