Mammoth Rec Commission votes no on path, yes on park

The Mammoth Lakes Recreation Commission opted to not add a $25,000 grant match for the College Connector Path to the current list of Mammoth Lakes Trail System Coordinating Committee recommendations of projects to be funded with the current Measure R allocation.

According to Public Works Director Ray Jarvis, the path, which would connect from the Mammoth Library, and run past Cerro Coso College and join the main trail loop, is a shovel-ready $1 million project. Hoping for the grant match by next spring, Jarvis said it’s key to leveraging the $1 million.

The Commission decided to have the College Connector apply for a Measure R grant during the next funding cycle, applications for which are due by Oct. 24.

And the Commission did give the go ahead for the Town to apply for a California State Parks Grant for a proposed park project near the Volcom Brothers Skate Park. Removal of a proposed water feature that the Commission didn’t find practical or economical reduced the $400,000 project’s price tag by roughly $80,000. Maintenance for the water feature alone would likely be about $10,000 a year. The grant, if awarded, would be for about $200,000. Matching funds to cover the additional $100,000 or more (depending on whether artificial turf is used) would be covered under a future Measure R fund application.