MONTGOMERY— Gov. Kay Ivey has announced grants totaling nearly $1.8 million to improve outdoor recreational facilities in nine Alabama communities.
The awards, made through the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund, support projects to build splash pads, playgrounds, ballfields, trails and to upgrade existing outdoor amenities. Additional LWCF awards are expected to be announced later.
“These projects increase the opportunities for Alabamians to get out and enjoy the great outdoors,” Gov. Ivey said. “I am pleased that these grants will enhance recreational areas that not only provide a great place to get some exercise, but also create treasured family memories that last a lifetime. I urge every Alabamian to visit and enjoy your local park.”
The LWCF program was created by Congress in 1964 to assist states with the development and preservation of outdoor recreational facilities.
The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs manages the program in Alabama.
“Parks, playgrounds and trails contribute not only to the health of individuals, but also to the quality of life of a community,” ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell said. “I commend these local leaders who saw a need for these projects and pursued them. ADECA is pleased to be a partner with Governor Ivey, the National Park Service and these local communities in making these projects a reality.”
Recipients (listed by county), amount of grant and projects are:
Autauga County
Autauga County Commission ($500,000) – The county will use funds to construct several lighted ballfields and a parking area at Pine Level Park in the Pine Level community.
Chilton County
City of Clanton ($228,766) – The city of Clanton plans to construct a 3,000-square-foot splash pad at Clanton City Park in addition to building a new bridge over Black Snake Creek.
Choctaw County
Town of Butler ($266,087)– The town will purchase nearly 20 acres of wooded property adjacent to Zack Roger Park and will extend an existing trail on the newly acquired land.
Colbert County
Colbert County Commission ($250,000) – Funds will be used to construct a restroom/shower facility and renovate an existing restroom/shower building, level campsites, replace picnic tables and make other upgrades at Rose Trail Park near Cherokee.
Crenshaw County
City of Luverne ($115,000) – The city will construct a splash pad and add sidewalks and handicap parking at E.L. Turner Park.
Houston County
City of Taylor ($171,528) – The city will use funds to provide additional playground equipment and construct a pavilion at Taylor Walking Trail Park.
Pickens County
Town of Carrollton ($84,000) – The town will use funds to add a playground, pavilion and lighting at Carrollton Municipal Park.
Town of Gordo ($159,330) – The town will install a new splashpad and playground at Gordo PARA Park.
Washington County
Town of Millry ($20,000) – The town will use funds to improve a parking area at Roy Chapman Sportsplex, the town’s only park.
The LWCF program requires recipients to equally match the amount of the award with cash or in-kind commitments. Eligible applicants may include municipalities, county governments, state agencies and state authorities created by the Legislature.
The program can fund projects involving playfields, trails, parks, playgrounds, picnic and camping areas, including related amenities and land acquisition which will be dedicated for recreation use.
ADECA administers a wide range of programs that support law enforcement, victim programs, economic development, water resource management, energy conservation and recreation.
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