Pikeville approves grant application
By Andrew Bell
Published in News on January 11, 2007 1:49 PM
The Pikeville Board of Commissioners approved the submission of a grant proposal that could help pay for major improvements to the town's park and community building.
The board's action Tuesday night culminated four months of work by the town's parks and recreation committee to gather information and complete the paperwork for the $112,106 grant.
The entire project could cost more than $224,000, but Town Administrator Bob Buchanan said Pikeville would only have to pay about half of that over the next three years. The grant would cover most of those costs. The town could also apply for smaller grants to offset any other costs and reduce the impact on the town's budget, he added.
If Pikeville receives the Parks and Recreation Trust Fund grant, which will be awarded in July, the money will go toward a number of projects in and around the town's park.
The commissioners plan to demolish the old gymnasium and school cafeteria to make more space for a ballpark, which will be illuminated after three light poles are built. Water fountains, restrooms and dressing rooms would also be built.
The grant will also help build handicap-accessible ramps at the park's playground, a performing stage and the new ballpark. Any other funds will be used to install a separate heating and air conditioning unit at the community building.
Pikeville Parks and Recreation Committee Chairman Edith McClenny said she hopes the town will get the grant because of the benefit it will have on the community.
"I'm hoping that it comes across. We have a lot of people in this part of the county that use our facilities and come to the park," Mrs. McClenny said.