City gets $250K for Hal Kirby Park

Russellville Mayor David Grissom found out Friday, and announced Monday, that the city has been awarded a $250,000 grant to rehabilitate Hal Kirby Jr. Park.

Following citywide flooding in June, the park was perhaps Russellville’s area of greatest damage. Swirling floodwaters tore down fences and damaged the ballfields, which were damaged to the point of being unable to be used for any summer or fall sports.

A $250,000 Community Development Block Grant to the city will provide new fencing for the two ball fields at the park, a multi-use building to accommodate the concession stand, restrooms and press box and associated walkways that are compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Local matching funds and in-kind services will provide an additional $109,399 toward the project.

“The ultimate goal is going to be to get Hal Kirby back to ball-playing condition by spring,” Grissom said.

The CDBG was one of several to be announced for the Northwest Alabama area Monday. Other grants were given to Haleyville, Lexington, Town Creek, Hamilton and Marion County – totaling $2.1 million for the region.

“Community Development Block Grants help communities take on projects that enhance the lives of their residents, projects they might not otherwise be able to afford,” Gov. Robert Bentley said. “I am pleased to assist local officials in their efforts to make these improvements.”

Grissom said his office will attend a workshop in December to find out how the grant will be disseminated, and work will begin as soon as possible