3 North Alabama recreational facilities receive new grants

Gov. Kay Ivey has announced grants worth more than $6.1 million to improve outdoor recreational options in seven towns and cities around Alabama. Three of those projects are here in North 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.

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Athens, Boaz + Priceville facilities receive grants

The htree facilities in North alabama receiving grants include:

• 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. The city will contribute $1 million in matching funds.
• 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. The city will contribute just over $1.3 million to the project.
• 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. The city will contribute $1.1 million in matching funds.

“Whether it’s a ball field, a playground or a nature trail, outdoor recreation greatly contributes to the health of a community. 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.”

_{Gov. Kay Ivey}

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.

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