MONTGOMERY — Gov. Kay Ivey has announced grants totaling more than $2 million to improve recreational facilities in six Alabama communities.
The awards, made through the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund, will provide playgrounds, trails and recreation courts. These grants come on the heels of nearly $2 million in Recreational Trails Program grants announced by the Gov. Ivey on Oct. 19 to support trail projects in seven Alabama communities.
“The additions and improvements resulting from these awards are another reason for Alabamians to take advantage of the great outdoors at local parks across the state,” Gov. Ivey said. “I commend local leaders for understanding that parks and playgrounds contribute so much to a community’s health and well-being.”
The LWCF program, a program of the U.S. Department of Interior, was created by Congress in 1965 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 and playgrounds that are well-maintained and frequently used are not only invitations for residents to get outside, but they also provide an identity and point of pride for communities,” ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell said. “ADECA joins Gov. Ivey in commending local leaders for securing these grants to improve their communities.”
Under the LWCF program, recipients are required to equally match the amount of the award with cash or in-kind commitments.
Grants recipients, amounts and projects (listed geographically from north to south) awarded are:
- Ider ($220,475) – The town will replace more than 4,000 feet of fencing and gates around the perimeter and ballfields at Ider Town Park.
- Lincoln ($500,000)- Lincoln will construct an eight-foot-wide concrete walking path, access road and parking lot, picnic shelter, restroom and install playground equipment and fencing along with sign upgrades at Stemley Road Park.
- Valley ($156,173) – The city will construct a playground, dog park, sidewalk, entrance ramp and benches at Shawmut Park.
- Crenshaw County Commission ($500,000) – The county will construct a 1.3-mile, 10-foot-wide lighted asphalt trail and install wooden boardwalk bridges and benches at Crenshaw County Sports Complex in Luverne.
- Eufaula ($273,987) – Eufaula will construct eight pickleball courts, including two that are compliant with the American Disabilities Act, and build sidewalks at Reeves Recreation Park.
- Geneva ($483,500) – The city of Geneva plans to construct a playground along with another playground accessible to people with challenges on the site of the former Phillip-Van Heusen Corp. textile mill in addition to constructing a gazebo, walkways, lighting, restrooms and landscaping.
Additional LWCF awards are expected to be announced later.
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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Media
Jim Plott or Mike Presley
ADECA Communications and External Affairs
(334) 242-5525
