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The Ainsworth Park project in Thompson Falls is getting another shot at a large grant that would help complete the project.

Last year, an application for a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) was submitted, requesting almost $450,000 to complete the project. The application was denied in December, and grant staff told the Thompson Falls Main Street Committee and Parks Planning

Committee members that the projects that were funded were most critical for public health and safety.

However, the Ainsworth committee is being given an opportunity to re-submit the grant for consideration in a second round of CDBG grant funding.

Mayor Mark Sheets said Monday that the Ainsworth committee met with members of the Department of Commerce to discuss areas the grant could improve. With that, they are doing more public outreach and seeking additional public comments regarding the Ainsworth project, especially in the areas of public health and safety. For example, Sheets said that the park will offer a walking path on a flat surface, off of city streets.

The revised grant will also include an updated budget and park management plan. Sheets said that because the city does not have a growth policy or capital improvements plan, the grant did not score as well as other projects.

Donations to the Ainsworth project and other grants funds will be used as matching funds for the CDBG grant. Sheets said that the donations and grants that have been secured to complete phase one of the project, which includes leveling, laying sod and creating the walking trail. He said that whether the CDBG grant is awarded to the Ainsworth project or not, “something will happen this summer.”

“We appreciate the donations and the work that has been done,” Sheets said, “and appreciate people’s patience while trying to work through this.” He said that obtaining grant funds can be a long process.

Public comments about the project are being sought. Flyers with a section for comments will be available throughout Thompson Falls and can be returned to City Hall. Sheets and Ainsworth Park committee members also will update the public at the Thompson Falls Senior Center at 11:45 a.m. on Jan. 16, and again at 6 p.m. on Jan. 17 when the Parks Planning Committee meets at City Hall.

From there, Sheets said the comments and information gathered will be given to the grant writer in order to resubmit the grant by January 31.