MONTGOMERY – Gov. Kay Ivey has announced grants worth a total of more than $6.1 million to improve outdoor recreational options in seven towns and cities around Alabama.
The grants were awarded through the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund for a variety of projects, including new construction, renovation of existing facilities and the acquisition of land for a future park.
“Whether it’s a ball field, a playground or a nature trail, outdoor recreation greatly contributes to the health of a community,” Gov. Ivey said. “I am pleased to support these projects, which will provide residents and visitors of these communities with new opportunities for physical exercise, togetherness and appreciation of the great outdoors.”
Congress created LWCF, a program of the U.S. Department of Interior, 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.
“The LWCF program has helped municipalities throughout the state build a wide variety of outdoor recreation sites for residents to enjoy,” ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell said. “ADECA joins Gov. Ivey in commending local leaders for recognizing the importance of these outdoor spaces.”
Below are the municipalities receiving grants with details about how they plan to spend the funds.
The City of Athens – $1 million for improvements to Swan Creek Park. The city plans to use the grant to fund construction of a 16-court pickleball facility, improvements to the portion of the Swan Creek Trail that extends throughout the park and construction of a landscape feature to improve drainage. Gov. Ivey informed Mayor William R. Marks that the grant had been approved. The city will contribute $1 million in matching funds.
The City of Boaz – $1 million to renovate the existing two-story tower at the Boaz Sportsplex, construct a new ADA-compliant restroom facility and provide site preparation and landscaping. City leaders say the tower renovations will enhance fire safety and allow for increased capacity for concessions. Gov. Ivey informed Mayor Tim Walker that the grant had been approved. The city will contribute just over $1.3 million to the project.
The Town of Cleveland – $300,000 to replace an existing ball field and install lighting, fencing, foul poles, dugouts and concrete foundations for bleachers at Cleveland Park. The town also plans to construct a facility for concessions, restroom and a press box at the park. Gov. Ivey informed Mayor James Sullivan that the grant had been approved. The city will contribute $300,000 in matching funds.
The City of Gadsden – $822,634 for a splash pad and other amenities at Joseph T. Robinson Park. Along with the splash pad, the city plans to construct a pavilion, picnic tables, restroom facilities and a sidewalk surrounding the perimeter of the park. In addition, the project includes the installation of lighting, security cameras and an emergency call center. Gov. Ivey informed Mayor Craig Ford that the grant had been approved. The city will contribute an additional $822,634 to the project.
The City of Priceville – $1 million to acquire 36.9 acres on Bethel Road for a future park. The park will be named the Lloyd and Sandy Nix Memorial Park, and plans for the land include walking trails, benches and fishing in the stocked pond located on the property. Local leaders say that because Priceville is one of the fastest growing cities in the state, they are anticipating a need for expanded recreational options. Gov. Ivey informed Mayor Sam Heflin that the grant had been approved. The city will contribute $1.1 million in matching funds.
The City of Troy – $1 million for several improvements at Knox Street Park. Plans include construction of a multi-purpose athletic field, an outdoor basketball court, a paved walking trail, a splash pad, a playground, a pavilion with restrooms and parking facilities. The city also plans to install fencing, an irrigation system, picnic tables, benches, a flagpole, trash receptacles and signage. Gov. Ivey informed Mayor Jason A. Reeves that the grant had been approved. The city will contribute more than $1.5 million in matching funds.
The City of Trussville – $1 million to upgrade the Masonic Park Playground, which was originally built in 2006 with the help of an LWCF grant. The city plans to install new playground equipment, construct a picnic shelter with sidewalk connections and install new picnic tables and fencing. The new playground will include an exercise area for senior citizens served by a nearby senior center. City leaders say the playground serves all of Jefferson and surrounding counties and that with the improvements will be the largest playground in the area. Gov. Ivey informed Mayor Ben Short that the grant had been approved. The city will contribute $1 million to the project.
ADECA manages a range of programs that support law enforcement, economic development, recreation, energy conservation and water resource management.
-30-
