From Tribune staff reports
TRUSSVILLE — The city will receive a $1 million federal grant to upgrade the playground at Masonic Park, Gov. Kay Ivey announced.
The grant, awarded through the Land and Water Conservation Fund, will pay for new playground equipment, a picnic shelter with sidewalk connections, picnic tables and fencing. The new playground will also include an exercise area for senior citizens who use a nearby senior center.
City leaders said the playground serves residents across Jefferson County and surrounding counties, and that the improvements will make it the largest playground in the area. The playground was originally built in 2006 with help from an earlier LWCF grant.
Trussville will match the award with $1 million in local funds. Ivey notified Mayor Ben Short that the grant had been approved.
“This is an exciting investment in one of our community spaces and an opportunity to create an even better place for Trussville families and children to enjoy for years to come,” Short said in a statement. “There’s more to come as plans are finalized, but today we’re celebrating another $1 million investment in Trussville.”
The Trussville award is one of seven outdoor recreation grants totaling more than $6.1 million. The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs administers the federal program in the state.
“Whether it’s a ball field, a playground or a nature trail, outdoor recreation greatly contributes to the health of a community,” Ivey said. “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.”
