One Alabama small town wins national competition for park renovations

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Some of the city’s ball fields will get much needed updates. (Winfield Park and Recreation)

The City of Winfield will soon have an extra $100,000 go toward improvements at Ivan K. Hill Park.

Construction company Bobcat has selected the small town over hundreds of other communities across the country as the winner of its Park and Rec Makeover Contest.

Keep reading to find out more about the contest + how Winfield plans on using the funds.

Ivan K. Hill Park

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Some upgrades will include a new backstop.(Winfield Park and Recreation)

Ivan K. Hill Park is a multi-use area featuring ballfields, playgrounds and a senior center. During the nomination process, the park said it needed to improve user safety and accessibility.

The $100,000 prize will go toward:

  • Replacing the original 1960s fencing
  • Replacing ballfield backstop
  • Enhancing access to fields and restrooms

“So many hearts will be touched immediately by offering hope and a promise of better playing facilities and just knowing that they are truly included. This award will help us continue to move forward with our goals and mission. It is proof that dreams can come true!”

~ Gina Bryant, Winfield Park and Recreation director
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(Winfield Park and Recreation)

The park was selected as the winner based on National Recreation and Park Association’s (NRPA) criteria coupled with strong public support for the park during the finalist voting period.

Park enhancements are expected to be completed by April 2025.

To stay up to date on the park’s progress, follow the Winfield Park and Recreation Facebook page.

Park and Rec Makeover Contest

Bobcat kicked off the contest in July by teaming up with brand ambassador and renovation expert Chip Gaines for a baseball field makeover in Waco, Texas.

Together, they aimed to inspire communities to see the potential in their own hometowns. Bobcat also partnered with the NRPA to review the submissions with a focus on the parks’ demonstrated need, sustainability impact and long-term community benefit.

“Bobcat equipment is best known for building on worksites around the world, but projects like this allow us to build something even greater together. We’re forging a community and helping build a legacy for the city of Winfield that will be treasured for generations to come.”

~ Laura Ness Owens, Bobcat vice president of global brand and marketing

In addition to the grand prize, Bobcat will also award the runner-up community—Aaron Perry Park in Pontiac, Michigan—with a new Bobcat zero-turn mower to assist in enhancing their park and recreation space.

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(Winfield Park and Recreation)

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Caleb Turrentine
Caleb Turrentine
Articles: 335