Eufala — Downtown Eufaula (Alabama State Parks)

Earlier this month, Gov. Kay Ivey awarded grants totaling more than $2 million to improve recreational facilities in six Alabama communities.

1400+ Land and Water Conservation projects since 1960s

Incredible views at Little River Canyon (Jacob Blankenship / Bham Now)

Annually, the state of Alabama receives monies from the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) to fund playgrounds, trails, recreation projects and nature preserves. Since the program’s inception in the mid-1960s over 1400 federal and state LWCF projects have been funded in Alabama, including 950+ local community projects.

“The additions and improvements resulting from these awards are another reason for Alabamians to take advantage of the great outdoors at local parks across the state.I commend local leaders for understanding that parks and playgrounds contribute so much to a community’s health and well-being.”
~ Governor Kay Ivey

Under the state LWCF program, which is managed by the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA) recipients are required to equally match the amount of the award with cash or in-kind commitments.

$2 million in 2023 Land and Water Conservation projects

Hikers and bikers have several trails to choose from on their trip. (Gulf State Park / Facebook)

Below are this year’s grant recipients, amounts and projects:

Ider ($220,475) – The town will replace more than 4,000 feet of fencing and gates around the perimeter and ballfields at Ider Town Park.
Lincoln ($500,000)- Lincoln will construct an eight-foot-wide concrete walking path, access road and parking lot, picnic shelter, restroom and install playground equipment and fencing along with sign upgrades at Stemley Road Park.
Valley ($156,173) – The city will construct a playground, dog park, sidewalk, entrance ramp and benches at Shawmut Park.
Crenshaw County Commission ($500,000) – The county will construct a 1.3-mile, 10-foot-wide lighted asphalt trail and install wooden boardwalk bridges and benches at Crenshaw County Sports Complex in Luverne.
Eufaula ($273,987) – Eufaula will construct eight pickleball courts, including two that are compliant with the American Disabilities Act, and build sidewalks at Reeves Recreation Park.
Geneva ($483,500) – The city of Geneva plans to construct a playground along with another playground accessible to people with challenges on the site of the former Phillip-Van Heusen Corp. textile mill in addition to constructing a gazebo, walkways, lighting, restrooms and landscaping.

“Parks and playgrounds that are well-maintained and frequently used are not only invitations for residents to get outside, but they also provide an identity and point of pride for communities.”
ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell

Did you know many of Alabama’s local parks have been funded by the LWCF program? Tell us on social media your favorite local park and recreation area by tagging us on social media at @thebamabuzz