Gov. Andy Beshear and Energy and Environment Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Goodman announced $529,800 in grant funding for benches, picnic tables, walkways and poured-in-place playground surfacing projects that utilize recycled waste tires.
The grants are from the Waste Tire Trust Fund, established by the 1998 Kentucky General Assembly to receive a $2 fee from each retail sale of a new tire in the state. The fund helps manage the approximately 5 million scrap tires generated in Kentucky each year and promotes the development of markets for recycled tire products.
“As we build a healthier, better Kentucky coming out of this pandemic, these projects are a great way to support our environment and improve the spaces where our people play, exercise and relax,” Gov. Beshear said. “As many of us were reminded during the past year, getting outdoors is really helpful in relieving stress. It’s a wonderful way to take care of ourselves while spending time with the people who matter most. I hope this funding can help create even more positive memories for Kentucky families.”
Miracle Point Playground to be located at the athletic park in Falmouth received $43,600 for poured-in-place playground.
“The Miracle Point Playground Board is thrilled and grateful to have received the Crumb Rubber Grant. While we are fully funded to build, we are exited that we will be able to use additional funding to better the playground and ensure it’s upkeep in the future,” said Adam Hall with the committee overseeing the development of the playground.
He continued, “The pour-in place and turf surfacing that Miracle Point will feature are in large part what will make this playground unique and accessible especially to those who need assistance with mobility. It is extremely difficult to move wheelchairs through mulch or other traditional playground surfacing.”
Secretary Goodman applauded the 19 counties that applied for the funding. “The cabinet is very pleased to make this funding available,” Sec. Goodman said. “Everyone benefits when these projects are done.”