Recognizing the mental and physical health benefits of time spent outside, Gov. Andy Beshear today announced 41 projects that will enhance accessibility and upgrade parks and recreation spaces throughout the commonwealth.
More than $4.2 million from the federally funded Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) has been allotted to communities across Kentucky, including $1.75 million to 12 counties, for a wide variety of outdoor, health-related improvements, including the renovation or replacement of playground equipment, construction of walking and biking paths and bringing recreational facilities into compliance with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessibility guidelines.
“Making sure our parks and recreation spaces are open and accessible to all Kentuckians is important to every Kentucky community and a priority for my administration,” said Gov. Beshear. “Providing safe spaces for all our families to exercise and gather is a critical part of building a better Kentucky.”
“The Land and Water Conservation Fund allows for projects across our commonwealth to move forward,” said DLG Commissioner Dennis Keene. “These projects will improve our parks and outdoor spaces and allow them to be more accessible to all Kentuckians.”
To receive the federal funds, which are administered at the state level by the Department for Local Government (DLG), selected applicants must undergo federal review and receive approval from the National Park Service.
Counties receiving funding include:
Bourbon County
The Bourbon County Fiscal Court will use $200,000 to develop a court sports facility at Bourbon County Park.
Christian County
The Christian County Fiscal Court will use $142,500 to improve areas of Ruff Park. They will construct a new restroom and concession facility with ADA-accessible restrooms.
Hancock County
The Hancock County Fiscal Court will use $200,000 to construct a splash pad and improve areas in Vastwood Park. The project will also include a variety of accessible water play features and a UV disinfection system.
Harlan County
The Kentucky Department of Parks will use $200,000 to design and construct six new camper cabins to be installed in Kingdom Come State Park. One existing park residence will be renovated into a fully accessible camper cabin.
Henderson County
The Henderson County Fiscal Court will use $200,000 to construct two ADA-accessible restroom facilities at Sandy Lee Watkins Park.
Henry County
The Henry County Fiscal Court will use $26,551 to install a new concrete ADA-accessible ramp to the baseball and softball fields at Harry Hill Park. They will also install a new walkway.
Leslie County
The Leslie County Fiscal Court will use $200,000 to construct a Little League Park and playground.
McCracken County
The McCracken County Fiscal Court will use $79,503 to construct three picnic shelters and a bike shelter, as well as make improvements to the shelter areas and construct a nature trail.
McCreary County
The McCreary County Fiscal Court will use $54,859 to purchase and install an inclusive playground for ages 5 to 12.
McLean County
The McLean County Fiscal Court will use $177,900 to install ADA-accessible playground equipment as well as new sewer lines and a lift station at Myer Creek Park.
Perry County
The Perry County Fiscal Court will use $65,844 to resurface and restripe the tennis courts at Perry County Park. Additional lights and fencing will be installed around both courts.
Rowan County
The Rowan County Fiscal Court will use $200,000 to improve recreational areas along Cave Run Lake. Rowan County will partner with the U.S. Forest Service to construct a new boat dock, an ADA-accessible fishing pier with railing and a new restroom facility, along with a gangway and walkway to accommodate persons with disabilities. Repairs to the road and ADA-accessible vehicle pullouts will be made at Ramey Creek, the dock at Scott Creek will be relocated and the trails at Shallow Flats and Boat Gunnell will be made ADA-accessible.
More Information
Read about other key updates, actions and information from Gov. Beshear and his administration at governor.ky.gov.
