From new pickleball courts in Athens to a future park in Priceville, seven Alabama communities are getting help to give residents more places to play, exercise and spend time outdoors.
Gov. Kay Ivey announced more than $6.1 million in grants for projects ranging from playground upgrades and splash pads to ball field improvements and land for a new park. The funding comes through the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund, which the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs administers in Alabama.
“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.”
Each community will contribute local funding toward its project, extending the investment beyond the federal grants.
In Athens, a $1 million grant will help build a 16-court pickleball facility at Swan Creek Park. The project also includes improvements to the portion of Swan Creek Trail that runs through the park and a landscape feature to improve drainage. The city will provide $1 million in matching funds.
Boaz will receive $1 million to renovate the two-story tower at its sportsplex, build an ADA-compliant restroom facility and complete site preparation and landscaping. City leaders say the tower work will improve fire safety and increase concessions capacity. Boaz will contribute just over $1.3 million.
A $300,000 grant for Cleveland will help replace an existing ball field at Cleveland Park, with lighting, fencing, foul poles, dugouts and concrete foundations for bleachers. The town also plans a facility for concessions, a restroom and a press box. Cleveland will provide $300,000 in matching funds.
In Gadsden, an $822,634 grant will help add a splash pad at Joseph T. Robinson Park, along with a pavilion, picnic tables, restrooms and a sidewalk around the park’s perimeter. Plans also include lighting, security cameras and an emergency call center. The city will contribute an additional $822,634.
Priceville will use a $1 million grant to acquire 36.9 acres on Bethel Road for the future Lloyd and Sandy Nix Memorial Park. Plans for the property include walking trails, benches and fishing in an existing stocked pond.
Local leaders say the growing city will need more recreational options as its population increases. Priceville will provide $1.1 million in matching funds.
In Troy, a $1 million grant will support improvements at Knox Street Park, including a multipurpose athletic field, outdoor basketball court, paved walking trail, splash pad, playground, pavilion with restrooms and parking facilities.
The project also includes fencing, an irrigation system, picnic tables, benches, a flagpole, trash receptacles and signage. Troy will provide more than $1.5 million in matching funds.
Trussville will receive $1 million to upgrade Masonic Park Playground, which was built in 2006 with help from the same federal grant program. Plans include new playground equipment, a picnic shelter with connecting sidewalks, picnic tables and fencing.
The playground will also feature an exercise area for senior citizens served by a nearby senior center. City leaders say the improved playground will be the largest in the area and will serve residents of Jefferson and surrounding counties. Trussville will contribute $1 million.
“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.”
Congress established the Land and Water Conservation Fund in 1964 to support conservation and outdoor recreation. These projects will give Alabama residents of all ages more opportunities to enjoy time outside close to home.
Sherri Blevins is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at [email protected].
