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August 16, 2006

Parks get $100,000 in state grants

By Evan Belanger

Two Cullman County towns were notified this week they will be receiving a combined $100,000 in grant money.

Split evenly between the two, Hanceville and Colony will each be receiving $50,000 in separate state grants to complete local projects.

According to a press release from the governor's office, the money in Hanceville will go to make renovations on the ball fields at C.W. Day Park.

In Colony, the money will be used to renovate a pavilion, update and add playground equipment and construct a changing room at the town's water feature.

Hanceville Mayor Katie Whitley commented on the incoming funds Tuesday, saying while they had originally applied for a $75,000 grant, they were still "delighted" to have the money.

She said the renovations will make for easier handicap access between the ball fields and will upgrade outdated, wooden light poles with concrete replacements.

Reportedly, woodpeckers were destroying the old poles.

"We already replaced one last year because of them," Whitley said.

As chairman of the oversight committee for the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs, Rep. Neal Morrison, D-Cullman, also commented on the grants.

Morrison said he worked with both communities toward attaining the money.

"The mayors and councils work hard to improve their communities," he said. "I'm just happy to play a role in this."

Funds for the grants came through ADECA's Land and Water Conservation Fund.

The Cullman Times was unable to contact Colony Mayor Earlene Johnson before press time Wednesday.

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