KENTUCKY — Gov. Andy Beshear on Friday announced funding for 41 projects around the state aimed at improving parks and recreation spaces.

What You Need To Know

  • Gov. Beshear announced $4.2 million for parks and recreational space improvements across Kentucky

  • Many of the projects will enhance ADA accessibility of parks and community spaces

  • Communities chosen have to undergo federal review and earn National Park Service approval before receiving the funds

Over $4.2 million from the federally funded Land and Water Conservation fund (LWCF) is alloted for the wide variety of health-related improvements, Beshear said in a press release.

Many of the projects will enhance ADA accessibility of parks and community spaces. He said based on the mental and physical health benefits of being outside, it's a long-overdue investment in Kentucky.

“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,” Beshear said. “Providing safe spaces for all our families to exercise and gather is a critical part of building a better Kentucky.”

Communities chosen have to undergo federal review and earn National Park Service approval before receiving the federal funds, Beshear said.

Some of the notable projects include:

  • Dawson Springs: $100,000 to remove old playground equipment at Dawson Springs City Park and replace it with new ADA-accessible playground equipment
  • Henderson: $200,000 to construct and improve baseball fields and pedestrian walkways at the Airline Road Sports Complex
  • Lexington: $25,000 to improve the Raven Run Nature Sanctuary
  • Louisville: $200,000 for improvements at Jefferson Memorial Forest. These improvements include constructing an ADA-accessible paved walking path with boardwalk crossings and expanding a picnic area to make it ADA-accessible
  • Millersburg: $124,953 to enhance the Millersburg City Park. These proposed enhancements include ADA-accessible ramps and walkways
  • Christian County: $142,500 to improve areas of Ruff Park. They will construct a new restroom and concession facility with ADA-accessible restrooms
  • McLean County: $177,900 to install ADA-accessible playground equipment as well as new sewer lines and a lift station at Myer Creek Park
  • Hancock County: $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

You can read more about the improvement projects here.