Harmon Field will gather ideas for upgrades to the park and will submit the application later this year. The deadline for the grant application is Jan. 31, 2010. Today will be the first of a couple of public hearings planned for the grant.

Harmon Field has applied for the PARTF grant every year for the past several years. The park received the grant two years in a row and used the funds for upgrades, including the addition of the park&squo;s walking trail. The grant also helped Harmon Field purchase part of the former Tryon Middle School, including one building and the open air gym.

The past couple of years Harmon Field has been turned down for the grant.

The grant is a 50/50 match that can be funded up to $500,000.