MONTGOMERY — Gov. Kay Ivey has announced five grants totaling almost $1.7 million to improve recreational opportunities in the state.
The awards, made through the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund, will help build trails, rebuild ball courts and upgrade a camping area.
“Alabamians love and appreciate the outdoors, and these projects provide even more reasons to spend quality time enjoying outdoor recreational activities,” Gov. Ivey said. “I commend local leaders for understanding that recreational outlets play a large role in improving quality of life for Alabamians of all ages.”
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.
“For generations, the Land and Water Conservation Fund has enabled Alabamians to hit home runs, take strolls into nature, taste the goodness of food cooked outdoors and make lasting memories,” ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell said. “ADECA joins Gov. Ivey in commending local leaders for securing these grants to benefit 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 awarded are:
Ashville ($233,383) – Funds will be used to build new walking trails, a parking area, install playground equipment with safety surfacing and enhance landscaping at Ashville Community Park.
Eclectic ($317,547) – The town will construct a concrete walking trail, parking area and pavilion with picnic tables along with lighting at Pecan Orchard Park.
Florence ($437,073) – The city will upgrade McFarland Park Campground by constructing new pads for camping vehicles, upgrade electrical service to include Wi-Fi hotspots and internet service access, improve water and sewer hookups at camp sites and add new seating at fire pits and grill stations. Additionally, plans are to widen the access roads and provide new landscaping.
Ozark ($446,461) – Funds will be used to upgrade the 42-year-old Steagall Park by dismantling eight old tennis courts and rebuilding new ones for tennis and pickleball. The city will also add fencing, benches and bleachers, scoring stations and other amenities.
Shorter ($251,956) – The town plans to construct an eight-foot-wide, multi-use trail at Empowerment Park along with a pavilion, a parking area and picnic tables.
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
