#LWCFAL

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Gov. Ivey announces $2.6 million to enhance recreation in Alabama

Gov. Kay Ivey has announced grants totaling $2.6 million to improve outdoor recreational facilities in 12 Alabama communities.

The awards, made through the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund, range from overhauling a public boat landing to upgrading ball fields.

“Alabama’s parks, playgrounds and trails promote healthier lives and happier people,” Gov. Ivey said. “These projects will encourage people to enjoy Alabama’s outdoors, and they will help create memories that will last a lifetime. I commend local leaders for understanding that parks and playgrounds contribute so much to a community’s health and well-being.”

The LWCF program was created by Congress in 1965 to assist states with the development and preservation of outdoor recreational facilities. The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs manages the program in Alabama.

“Parks and playgrounds that are well-maintained and frequently used say so much about a community and its people,” ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell said. “ADECA is pleased to be a partner with Governor Ivey, the National Park Service and these local communities in making these projects a reality.”

Under the LWCF program, recipients are required to equally match the amount of the award with cash or in-kind commitments.

Grants and projects (listed geographically from north to south) awarded are:

Anderson ($8,000)- The Lauderdale County town will create an outdoor nature learning center at the Anderson Town Park where children will learn about insects, plants and aquatic life from a nearby stream.

Rogersville ($118,766) – Funds will be used to build four tennis courts and rehabilitate two existing courts at the town park.

Huntsville ($230,000) – The Huntsville-Madison County Marina and Port Authority will use funds to improve safety, security and access at Ditto Landing by dredging the harbor, installing new docks, refurbishing the boat ramp and improving bathrooms, lighting and the entrance.

Cullman ($350,000) – The city will provide an overhaul at Nesmith Park including constructing a splash pad, playground, basketball and pickleball (paddleball) courts, multi-use fields, walking trail and restrooms.

Springville ($175,000)- The city will renovate baseball and softball fields at Springville City Park including press boxes and concession stands and add parking.

Trussville ($175,000) -The project will include renovating existing baseball and softball fields at Masonic Park/Cahaba Creek Greenway and add outdoor exercise equipment.

Lincoln ($350,000)- The city will construct a park on a newly acquired 190-acre site. Development under the grant will include a playground, picnic areas, walking trail, restrooms, parking, signage and landscaping.

Demopolis ($247,675) – The city will upgrade two ballfields including lighting and batting cages at Demopolis Sports Plex.

Pike Road ($350,000) – The town will build two multi-purpose ballfields, parking and walks on a 5-acre site which is part of a larger tract donated to the town.

Clayton ($21,631) – The city will use funds to provide playground equipment at Peanut Butter Hill Park.

Geneva ($348,550) – The city plans to construct a soccer complex at C.D. Chapman Memorial Park. The project will include adding a parking lot, restrooms, sidewalks and installation of fencing and lighting.

Summerdale ($234,100) – The town will construct four lighted tennis courts and a parking area on a 2.5-acre city-owned site at the intersection of First and East Jefferson streets.

Under the LWCF program eligible applicants may include municipalities, county governments, state agencies and state authorities created by the Legislature. The program can fund projects involving playfields, trails, parks, playgrounds, picnic and camping areas, including related amenities and land acquisition which will be dedicated for recreation use.

ADECA administers a wide range of programs that support law enforcement, victim programs, economic development, water resource management, energy conservation and recreation.

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Grant helped provide outdoor recreation opportunities to Haleyville

The city of Haleyville has taken full advantage of a $150,000 Land and Water Conservation Fund grant awarded through ADECA in late 2016 to improve outdoor recreation opportunities for residents. That project, which included constructing a walking trail, installing playground equipment, and improving access and parking at the Haleyville Sports Complex, is complete.

“The Haleyville Sports Complex has been an excellent addition to our recreational program,” Mayor Ken Sunseri said. “The Land and Water Conservation grant enabled us to place a walking trail around the fields and provide a playground that is accessible and equipped for individuals with disabilities.”

Sunseri also talked about the positive economic impact the entire complex has had on the city, which located in Winston and Marion counties.

“Haleyville is now able to host tournaments for local teams and travel teams. The economic impact from the tournaments has paid expenses and made a profit for the city,” Sunseri said. “The tournaments have brought visitors from several different states and players from all over the state. Our local retail businesses, restaurants and service stations have been overwhelmed by the influx of customers which greatly assists our sales tax revenue.”

During a recent visit to northwest Alabama, ADECA’s Communications and External Affairs Unit stopped by the complex to see the finished product and take a few photos.

The LWCF program was created by Congress in 1964 to assist states with the development and preservation of outdoor recreational facilities. ADECA manages the program in Alabama.

“We are thankful for the assistance provided by the ADECA for their assistance in providing a recreational opportunity and economic growth to the City of Haleyville,” Sunseri said.

View more photos on our Flickr.

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Gov. Ivey announces $1.5 million in grants to improve parks and facilities across Alabama

Gov. Kay Ivey has announced $1.5 million in grants to enhance outdoor recreation opportunities in Alabama.

The awards, made through the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund, will enable 15 counties and municipalities to improve parks, playgrounds and sports fields. Projects range from installing new lighting and fixtures at existing parks to constructing new tennis courts, ball fields and splash pads.

“By enhancing the outdoor recreational opportunities in our communities, these projects will make Alabama an even better place to live and work for families,” Ivey said. “I am pleased to play a role in helping local leaders complete these improvements, and I encourage everyone to experience the great parks and recreational opportunities these areas have to offer.”

The LWCF program was created by Congress in 1965 to assist states with the development and preservation of outdoor recreational facilities. The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs manages the program in the state.

“Some of a family’s best memories are often formed by experiences at community parks, playgrounds and trails, and these projects will increase the opportunities for families to spend time together enjoying the outdoors,” ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell said. “With Gov. Ivey’s support, ADECA is pleased to partner with these communities and groups to expand recreational opportunities.”

Grants and projects awarded are:

Abbeville - $62,500 to renovate restrooms, a concession stand, exterior light poles, covered sheds, a dugout and walking trail as well as purchase and install playground equipment at Abbeville Recreation Complex. Matching funds of $62,500 will supplement the grant.

Arab - $149,762 to construct a splash pad at the Arab Swimming Complex. Matching funds of $149,762 will supplement the grant.

Bay Minette - $98,705 to renovate restrooms, an open-air pavilion, playground and parking at Ulmer Park. The city also will renovate restrooms, upgrade playground equipment and construct a new open-air pavilion at John B. White Park. A local match of $98,705 will also be used for the project.

Birmingham - $150,000 to improve parking, landscaping and sand volleyball courts as well as clear vegetation along the creek at East Lake Park. A local match of $150,000 will supplement the grant.

Calhoun County - $38,602 to construct new batting cages and a dog park at the Calhoun County Sports Complex/Woodland Park. Local matching funds of $38,602 will supplement the award.

Camden - $200,000 to construct two boat ramps, improve existing ramps and improve the parking area at Bridgeport Park. Matching funds of $200,000 will supplement the grant.

Center Point - $90,250 to construct a splash pad and purchase and install benches and picnic tables at Reed-Harvey Park. Local funds of $90,250 will supplement the grant.

Collinsville - $198,650 to construct two girls’ softball fields at Collinsville Municipal Park. The fields will meet accessibility standards required by the Americans with Disabilities Act. Local matching funds of $198,650 will also be used for the project.

Eclectic - $115,000 to replace the ball field lighting at Aaron Park. Local funds of $115,000 will supplement the grant.

Helena - $75,000 to construct a multipurpose athletic field at Helena Sports Complex. Local funds of $75,000 will match the grant.

Midfield - $56,564 to install lighting for the football field at Midfield Park. Local funds of $56,564 will also be used for the project.

Pell City - $150,000 to construct two new tennis courts, install lighting at eight existing courts and the two new courts and construct a support building with storage and restrooms at the Pell City Tennis Center. Matching funds of $150,000 will supplement the grant.

Selma - $75,000 to construct a splash pad at Historic Riverfront Park. Local funds of $75,000 will supplement the award.

Tuscaloosa County Parks and Recreation Authority - $37,550 to construct a comfort station and install security lighting, picnic tables and grills at Hurricane Creek Park. Local matching funds of $37,550 will supplement the grant.

Winston County Board of Education - $78,153 to renovate an existing track and pave a parking area at Addison High School. Local matching funds of $78,153 will also be used for the project.

LWCF is a program of the National Park Service. Eligible applicants may include municipalities, county governments, state agencies and state authorities created by the Legislature.

The program can fund projects involving sports fields, trails, parks, playgrounds, picnic and camping areas, including related amenities and land acquisition which will be dedicated for recreation use. Grant recipients are required to provide at least a dollar for dollar match with the grant.

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Improvements, new features coming to 17 Alabama parks thanks to Land and Water Conservation Fund grants

Last week Governor Robert Bentley and ADECA announced the award of Land and Water Conservation Fund grants totaling $740,696 to upgrade or add features to 17 parks and outdoor recreation areas across the state. Typical projects in this year’s grand awards include expanding trails and boardwalks, renovating playgrounds and adding splash pads, pavilions, lighting, restrooms and other features to parks.

Created by Congress in 1964, the LWCF uses a portion of the federal revenue received from offshore oil and gas production royalties to preserve public lands and support additional recreation spaces.

The program has helped develop thousands of local parks, trails, and recreation areas in the United States and territories and protects some of the nation’s most treasured public lands. LWCF grants totaling $64 million have supported 880 outdoor recreation projects across Alabama. ADECA’s Recreation and Conservation Unit coordinates the program in Alabama.

Here is a list of the recently announced grants with links for more information:

Governor announces $129,646 for outdoor recreation enhancements in Bibb, Walker, Jefferson and Tuscaloosa counties

Eufaula receives $50,000 for playground renovation

Governor announces recreation upgrades in Blount and St. Clair counties

Governor announces funding to improve recreation in Escambia and Monroe counties

Governor announces funding to upgrade parks in Oxford, Lincoln, Talladega

Governor announces grant to renovate Athens playground

Governor Bentley awards funding to build 'splash pad' in Vernon

Saraland receives grant for boardwalk, kayak launch at park

Governor announces funding to rejuvenate playground in Clanton

Luverne receives grant for new playground equipment

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ADECA hosts workshop for communities seeking outdoor recreation grants

A paddler at Birmingham's East Lake Park, which has benefited from Land and Water Conservation grants in the past. 

Representatives from dozens of communities across Alabama trekked to Montgomery today for a workshop to learn more about a grant program that helps cities and counties build trails, parks and other outdoor recreation features.

ADECA manages the Land and Water Conservation Fund program in Alabama. Since its creation in 1964, LWCF has provided Alabama with $66 million supporting 892 outdoor projects across the state, ADECA Director Jim Byard Jr. said.

In 2014, $682,757 will be available through the program in Alabama. Municipalities, counties and state agencies apply to ADECA for grants to fund specific projects.  The workshop hosted by ADECA’s Community and Economic Development Division gave 82 attendees an overview of the requirements of the program.

ADECA's Scott Stewart speaks with an attendee. 

Last week, U.S. Interior Secretary Sally Jewell visited Birmingham’s Red Mountain and East Lake parks as part of a tour to celebrate the LWCF program’s 50th anniversary and to seek its continuance.

“Over its 50 year history, the Land and Water Conservation Fund has helped fund over 40,000 local conservation and outdoor recreation projects by re-investing a small portion of revenue from offshore oil and gas development in waters owned by the American people,” Jewell said. “These local projects – parks, ball fields, open spaces – play an important role in improving the health and vitality of urban areas, and protecting natural areas for future generations of Americans to enjoy.”

Attendees from dozens of Alabama communities attended to learn the ins and outs of the grant program. 

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Q: According to a recent survey by the Outdoor Industry Association, recreation provides how much annually to Alabama’s economy?

A: $10 billion including $7.5 billion in sales and another $2 billion in wages and salaries for those working in outdoor-recreation jobs. The total figure also includes tax revenues generated by sales.

Read more about the Land and Water Conservation Fund and how it benefits Alabama outdoors as we celebrate the program’s 50th anniversary.

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Q: Tricentennial Park in Mobile, which is an LWCF project, was named in honor of what occasion in the city’s history?

Photo from the City of Mobile website.

A: The 300th anniversary of the Port City.

Read more about the Land and Water Conservation Fund and how it benefits Alabama outdoors as we celebrate the program’s 50th anniversary.

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U.S. Interior secretary applauds Alabama outdoor projects

U.S. Interior Secretary Sally Jewell speaks about the importance of the Land and Water Conservation Fund Wednesday at Birmingham's East Lake Park. 

U.S. Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell on Wednesday commended Alabama and Birmingham for their outdoor recreation areas while urging Alabamians to push for reauthorization of the Land and Water Conservation Fund, a federal program that helped create and develop many of the state’s outdoor recreation areas.

Jewell visited Birmingham’s Red Mountain and East Lake parks as part of a tour to celebrate the LWCF program on its 50th anniversary and to seek its continuance.

Jim Byard Jr., director of the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs, which manages the LWCF program in Alabama, said the program benefits every section of the state.

“We look forward to 50 more years of LWCF support in all 67 of our counties,” Byard said.

Since its creation in 1964, LWCF has provided Alabama with $66 million supporting 892 outdoor projects across the state, Byard said.

Jewell with ADECA's Maureen Neighbors and Scott Stewart. 

Jewell said parks and green spaces are good for the vitality of a community and its residents, particularly children.

“What you have here in this park and what I saw at Red Mountain Park gives people from the city of Birmingham a reason to get outside,” she said. “Those kids, they’re not working out, they’re playing; they are not learning, they are exploring. They are in the best classroom there is which is the classroom with no walls.”

Jewell added more could be done if the LWCF received its full funding from offshore oil and gas production royalties. Only once its history has the program received all of its intended funding, she said.

“The six hundred thousand dollars coming to Alabama would be double or triple that size if we had full and permanent funding,” Jewell said.

Speaking in Fort Wayne on Tuesday, Jewell announced a $682,757 LWCF allocation to Alabama for the current year. 

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Q: It was a major drawing card for Daniel Pratt and his dream to build a mill. An LWCF grant has made it a draw for recreation in Autauga County. What is it?

Late 19th century image of Pratt from Wikipedia

A: Autauga Creek, which Pratt harnessed to build a mill village and which the city of Prattville has since used as a backdrop for parks and used for water recreation.

Read more about the Land and Water Conservation Fund and how it benefits Alabama outdoors as we celebrate the program’s 50th anniversary.

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U.S. Department of Interior Secretary Sally Jewell comments on the Land and Water Conservation Fund’s 50th anniversary and urges the program’s continuation during a visit to Birmingham today. Since 1965, LWCF grants totaling $66.5 million have supported 880 parks, trails and other outdoor recreation projects across Alabama. ADECA coordinates the LWCF program in Alabama.

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Q: In 2012 Governor Robert Bentley awarded an LWCF to the city of Guntersville and Guntersville State Park to help that area overcome what disasters?

Photo from an April 2012 news release from OutdoorAlabama.com.

A: A series of tornadoes that struck north Alabama in April 2011.

Read more about the Land and Water Conservation Fund and how it benefits Alabama outdoors as we celebrate the program’s 50th anniversary.

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ADECA receives funds for outdoor recreation projects

ADECA today received notification that $682,757 will be available in 2014 for a grant program that develops community parks, trails and outdoor recreation projects.    

The allocation is from the National Park Service’s Land and Water Conservation Fund. Created by Congress in 1964, the LWCF uses a portion of the federal revenue received from offshore oil and gas production royalties to preserve public lands and support additional recreation spaces. The program has helped develop thousands of local parks, trails, and recreation areas and helps protect some of the nation’s most treasured public lands.

LWCF grants totaling $66.5 million have supported 880 outdoor recreation projects across Alabama. ADECA’s Recreation and Conservation Unit coordinates the program in Alabama. Municipalities, counties and state agencies apply to ADECA for grants to fund specific projects.

Sally Jewell, Secretary of the U.S. Department of the Interior, announced the funding while visiting a park in Fort Worth, Texas.

“Over its 50 year history, the Land and Water Conservation Fund has helped fund over 40,000 local conservation and outdoor recreation projects by re-investing a small portion of revenue from offshore oil and gas development in waters owned by the American people,” Jewell said. “These local projects – parks, ball fields, open spaces – play an important role in improving the health and vitality of urban areas, and protecting natural areas for future generations of Americans to enjoy.”

Jewell will visit Birmingham’s East Lake Park on Wednesday to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the LWCF program. 

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Q: What national agency manages the Land and Water Conservation Fund?

Land and Water Conservation grants, totaling close to $66.5 million since 1965, have supported 880 outdoor recreation projects - including trails, parks and playgrounds – across Alabama.

A: The National Park Service, which is part of the U.S. Department of the Interior, acquired the LWCF program in 1981. The Bureau of Outdoor Recreation was the original administrator of the program.

Read more about the Land and Water Conservation Fund and how it benefits Alabama outdoors as we celebrate the program’s 50th anniversary.

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Q: A 2009 Land and Water Conservation Fund grant enabled the town of West Blocton to build a trail system around what historical features at a local park?

West Blocton councilwoman Myrtle Jones, left, and Mayor Jabo Reese peer into a beehive coke oven in West Blocton on Dec. 14. Reese and volunteers with the Cahaba River Society want to transform this area into the West Blocton Beehive Coke Oven Park. [AP | The Birmingham News | Jerry Ayres]

  A: Beehive-shaped coke ovens. West Blocton in Bibb County was a major producer of coal beginning in the 1880s.

  The above photo and caption come from a Tuscaloosa News article from 2008 titled "W. Blocton hopes beehive coke ovens will draw tourists."

Read more about the Land and Water Conservation Fund and how it benefits Alabama outdoors as we celebrate the program's 50th anniversary.

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Land and Water Conservation Fund benefits Alabama outdoors

U.S. Department of Interior Secretary Sally Jewell will visit Alabama July 9 to mark the 50th anniversary of the Land and Water Conservation Fund. Created by Congress in 1964, the LWCF uses a portion of the federal revenue received from offshore oil and gas production royalties to preserve public lands and support additional recreation spaces.

The program has helped develop thousands of local parks, trails, and recreation areas and helps protect some of the nation’s most treasured public lands. LWCF grants totaling $64 million have supported 880 outdoor recreation projects across Alabama. ADECA’s Recreation and Conservation Unit coordinates the program in Alabama.

Starting Monday we will highlight trivia questions about some Alabama parks, trails and destinations that have benefited from LWCF funding through the years in honor of the program’s anniversary and Secretary Jewell’s visit. Follow along on Twitter, Facebook and Tumblr using the hash tag #LWCFAL and share your favorite memories from the Alabama outdoors.

Congressional appropriations for the LWCF have dropped in recent years. Unless Congress acts, the program will expire on Sept. 30, 2015.