Gov. Beshear: 32 Communities Selected for More Than $3.9 Million To Improve Parks, Outdoor Spaces Across Kentucky
Funds will help communities expand recreation spaces, enhance accessibility for all Kentuckians
FRANKFORT, Ky.?(March 15, 2024) ? Today, Gov. Andy Beshear announced his selection of 32 projects that will enhance accessibility and upgrade parks and recreation spaces throughout the commonwealth.
The federally funded Land and Water Conservation Fund has allotted $3.9 million to communities across Kentucky for a wide variety of outdoor, health-related improvements, including the renovation or replacement of playground equipment, construction of walking paths and bringing recreational facilities into compliance with Americans with Disabilities Act accessibility guidelines.
?These dollars improve parks across Kentucky and make them more accessible to all Kentuckians,? said Gov. Beshear. ?We will continue to make our parks a priority. They bring a sense of community, offer a place for our families to spend time together outdoors and are worthy of continued investment.?
To receive the federal funds, which are administered at the state level by the Department for Local Government, selected applicants must undergo federal review and receive approval from the National Park Service.
Gov. Beshear was joined in Frankfort yesterday by local officials of three communities selected for funds:
The city of Berea plans to use $245,000 to repair the pool at Berea City Park.
?The city of Berea is very pleased to receive this award,? said Berea Mayor Bruce Fraley. ?This is very much needed and will be put to good use.?
The city of Jeffersontown plans to use $245,000 to help construct an amphitheater at Veterans Memorial Lower Park.
?Veterans Memorial Lower Park is a veteran?s park that is second to none, and people enjoy it every day,? said Jeffersontown Mayor Carol Pike. ?Everybody calls and wants to know when we?re going to finish it, and because of Gov. Beshear we?re going to be able to do it.?
The city of Henderson plans to use $245,000 to make improvements to Anthony Brooks Park. Improvements include installing a splash pad and restrooms and updating play structures.
?Henderson is on a roll, and a lot of that has to do with the help we are receiving from the state government,? said Henderson Mayor Brad Staton. ?This grant of $245,000 may not be the largest individual receipt of money that we have had in our city, but it is going to be one of the most impactful. We are going to be reaching a population with a park in their area that hasn?t been touched in decades. This will make a big difference for the families that live in the area and the children who play in the area.?
Gov. Beshear also honored Jessica Hill, the administrator of the Land and Water Conservation Fund at the Department for Local Government. Jessica passed away last Friday. Jessica was a conservationist and her love of nature showed in her work.
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