Gov. Kay Ivey has announced grants totaling $2.6 million to improve outdoor recreational facilities in 12 Alabama communities.

The awards, made through the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund, range from overhauling a public boat landing to upgrading ball fields.

“Alabama’s parks, playgrounds and trails promote healthier lives and happier people,” Gov. Ivey said. “These projects will encourage people to enjoy Alabama’s outdoors, and they will help create memories that will last a lifetime. I commend local leaders for understanding that parks and playgrounds contribute so much to a community’s health and well-being.”

The LWCF program was created by Congress in 1965 to assist states with the development and preservation of outdoor recreational facilities. The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs manages the program in Alabama.

“Parks and playgrounds that are well-maintained and frequently used say so much about a community and its people,” ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell said. “ADECA is pleased to be a partner with Governor Ivey, the National Park Service and these local communities in making these projects a reality.”

Under the LWCF program, recipients are required to equally match the amount of the award with cash or in-kind commitments.

Grants and projects (listed geographically from north to south) awarded are:

Anderson ($8,000)- The Lauderdale County town will create an outdoor nature learning center at the Anderson Town Park where children will learn about insects, plants and aquatic life from a nearby stream.

Rogersville ($118,766) – Funds will be used to build four tennis courts and rehabilitate two existing courts at the town park.

Huntsville ($230,000) – The Huntsville-Madison County Marina and Port Authority will use funds to improve safety, security and access at Ditto Landing by dredging the harbor, installing new docks, refurbishing the boat ramp and improving bathrooms, lighting and the entrance.

Cullman ($350,000) – The city will provide an overhaul at Nesmith Park including constructing a splash pad, playground, basketball and pickleball (paddleball) courts, multi-use fields, walking trail and restrooms.

Springville ($175,000)- The city will renovate baseball and softball fields at Springville City Park including press boxes and concession stands and add parking.

Trussville ($175,000) -The project will include renovating existing baseball and softball fields at Masonic Park/Cahaba Creek Greenway and add outdoor exercise equipment.

Lincoln ($350,000)- The city will construct a park on a newly acquired 190-acre site. Development under the grant will include a playground, picnic areas, walking trail, restrooms, parking, signage and landscaping.

Demopolis ($247,675) – The city will upgrade two ballfields including lighting and batting cages at Demopolis Sports Plex.

Pike Road ($350,000) – The town will build two multi-purpose ballfields, parking and walks on a 5-acre site which is part of a larger tract donated to the town.

Clayton ($21,631) – The city will use funds to provide playground equipment at Peanut Butter Hill Park.

Geneva ($348,550) – The city plans to construct a soccer complex at C.D. Chapman Memorial Park. The project will include adding a parking lot, restrooms, sidewalks and installation of fencing and lighting.

Summerdale ($234,100) – The town will construct four lighted tennis courts and a parking area on a 2.5-acre city-owned site at the intersection of First and East Jefferson streets.

Under the LWCF program eligible applicants may include municipalities, county governments, state agencies and state authorities created by the Legislature. The program can fund projects involving playfields, trails, parks, playgrounds, picnic and camping areas, including related amenities and land acquisition which will be dedicated for recreation use.

The city of Haleyville has taken full advantage of a $150,000 Land and Water Conservation Fund grant awarded through ADECA in late 2016 to improve outdoor recreation opportunities for residents. That project, which included constructing a walking trail, installing playground equipment, and improving access and parking at the Haleyville Sports Complex, is complete.

“The Haleyville Sports Complex has been an excellent addition to our recreational program,” Mayor Ken Sunseri said. “The Land and Water Conservation grant enabled us to place a walking trail around the fields and provide a playground that is accessible and equipped for individuals with disabilities.”

Sunseri also talked about the positive economic impact the entire complex has had on the city, which located in Winston and Marion counties.

“Haleyville is now able to host tournaments for local teams and travel teams. The economic impact from the tournaments has paid expenses and made a profit for the city,” Sunseri said. “The tournaments have brought visitors from several different states and players from all over the state. Our local retail businesses, restaurants and service stations have been overwhelmed by the influx of customers which greatly assists our sales tax revenue.”

During a recent visit to northwest Alabama, ADECA’s Communications and External Affairs Unit stopped by the complex to see the finished product and take a few photos.

The LWCF program was created by Congress in 1964 to assist states with the development and preservation of outdoor recreational facilities. ADECA manages the program in Alabama.

“We are thankful for the assistance provided by the ADECA for their assistance in providing a recreational opportunity and economic growth to the City of Haleyville,” Sunseri said.

A: $10 billion including $7.5 billion in sales and another $2 billion in wages and salaries for those working in outdoor-recreation jobs. The total figure also includes tax revenues generated by sales.

Photo from the City of Mobile website.

A: The 300th anniversary of the Port City.

Late 19th century image of Pratt from Wikipedia

A: Autauga Creek, which Pratt harnessed to build a mill village and which the city of Prattville has since used as a backdrop for parks and used for water recreation.

Photo from an April 2012 news release from OutdoorAlabama.com.

A: A series of tornadoes that struck north Alabama in April 2011.

West Blocton councilwoman Myrtle Jones, left, and Mayor Jabo Reese peer into a beehive coke oven in West Blocton on Dec. 14. Reese and volunteers with the Cahaba River Society want to transform this area into the West Blocton Beehive Coke Oven Park. [AP | The Birmingham News | Jerry Ayres]

  A: Beehive-shaped coke ovens. West Blocton in Bibb County was a major producer of coal beginning in the 1880s.

  The above photo and caption come from a Tuscaloosa News article from 2008 titled "W. Blocton hopes beehive coke ovens will draw tourists."

U.S. Department of Interior Secretary Sally Jewell will visit Alabama July 9 to mark the 50th anniversary of the Land and Water Conservation Fund. Created by Congress in 1964, the LWCF uses a portion of the federal revenue received from offshore oil and gas production royalties to preserve public lands and support additional recreation spaces.

The program has helped develop thousands of local parks, trails, and recreation areas and helps protect some of the nation’s most treasured public lands. LWCF grants totaling $64 million have supported 880 outdoor recreation projects across Alabama. ADECA’s Recreation and Conservation Unit coordinates the program in Alabama.

Starting Monday we will highlight trivia questions about some Alabama parks, trails and destinations that have benefited from LWCF funding through the years in honor of the program’s anniversary and Secretary Jewell’s visit. Follow along on Twitter, Facebook and Tumblr using the hash tag #LWCFAL and share your favorite memories from the Alabama outdoors.