City applies for $100,000 grant to integrate recycled materials into new Rotary Park

The Hopkinsville City Council has applied for a $100,000 grant that would purchase tire derived crumb rubber for the playground and the Rotary Park development.

ContributedMiracle PlaygroundMiracle Playground's blueprint for the proposed Rotary Park in Hopkinsville, Kentucky.

HOPKINSVILLE, KY (CHRISTIAN COUNTY NOW) – The Hopkinsville City Council has applied for a $100,000 grant that would help purchase tire derived crumb rubber for the future playground at the new Rotary Park. This unique material helps promote the use of recycled waste tires.

Councilmembers unanimously voted in favor of the municipal order during the Feb. 20 special called meeting that would allow them to apply for the grant from the Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet. If approved, the funds are intended for use towards the poured-in-place playground that will be installed at Rotary Park at Pardue Lane, according to the municipal order.

The maximum grant award amount is $100,000, with the city required to match 25% of the funds up to $25,000 if accepted. The deadline for the grant application is April 1, 2025.

In December 2024, the proposed 13,000 square foot playground design was revealed to the council. It features a sensory play area, music stations, swings, plenty of shade, clear sight lines, and tranquility areas. It was previously decided that the city would use the $436,003 of unused FEMA funds to help cover rising costs for the park. Rotary Club of Hopkinsville previously donated $100,000 specifically for the development of the playground.