North Carolina Construction News staff writer
The Parks and Recreation Authority has approved $8.5 million grant funding for 19 local parks and recreation projects across the state.
Local communities applied for grants to fund land acquisition, development and renovation of public park and recreation areas. This year, the Authority considered 52 grant applications requesting a total of more than $21 million.
“Congratulations to the communities that received grants to create and expand their park facilities,” said N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources Secretary D. Reid Wilson. “Robust local outdoor recreation opportunities, in addition to our state and national parks, have helped North Carolina become the Great Trails State, and we look forward to seeing the outcome of these projects.”
Since 1995, the fund has helped local governments build new parks and improve facilities.
Grant recipients and award amounts:
Blue Ridge Conservancy held a groundbreaking at the site of the new Paddy Mountain Park trail in West Jefferson on Aug. 4. The park will feature three miles of stacked loop trail, as well as parking, restrooms and picnic facilities. The park will serve as a trailhead for the Northern Peaks State Trail, which will connect the Jeffersons to Boone. Blue Ridge Conservancy, which facilitated the purchase of the property, is coordinating the construction of the NPST in partnership with state and local government agencies.