OAK GROVE, KY (CHRISTIAN COUNTY NOW) – The Special Playground Committee in Oak Grove held a meeting this week to discuss playground equipment, funding, ideas, and plans for the park located behind the Oak Grove Fire Department.
“We need to upgrade and start doing some kind of work up there,” said Councilmember Jean Leavell who is also the chairman of the committee. Councilmember Isaiah Spencer, along with other playground committee members Melissa Lynch, director of the community center, and Public Works Director, Brian Ahart discussed the repairs that are needed.
Leavell recommended adding a full-size basketball court, a new slide, restored picnic tables, a new grill, and a possible tennis court where pickleball could also be played. She also suggested getting soccer nets for the grass area.
Years ago, the park was built by a rural development grant, but no upgrades have been made since then according to the committee. Ahart said he recently met with Terri Wilkerson, Executive Director of Kentucky Recreation and Parks Society to discuss this.
“According to Wilkerson, the park has served its purpose, and everything needs to go,” Ahart said. The committee also discussed adding parking spots to the front grass area, so people are not parking in the fire department lot. The Oak Grove City Council can apply for a Land and Conservation Grant for a 50% match up to $250,000 for the upgrades, but the deadline for the grant closes in two weeks. The committee believes they will not apply until next year.
“It’s important to reach out to the community,” Councilmember Spencer said, also adding that a fixed park would allow more options for kids in the community. Leavell agreed, saying it’s crucial to advocate for upgrades in Oak Grove.
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