News
In the News: Russellville receives $250K to restore ballpark
Posted on November 11, 2015
Originally published by Times Daily.
City leaders said a $250,000 Community Development Block Grant will go a long way in making repairs at the Hal Kirby Jr. Ballpark that was damaged during the flash flooding May 27.
Mayor David Grissom said he received word this week from Gov. Robert Bentley the city received conditional approval of the CDBG Community Enhancement grant.
Grissom said the letter stated the final awarding of funds is subject to the city meeting the terms and conditions previously agreed to, which include supplying matching funds.
According to the official engineering estimate, it will cost approximately $359,399 to complete all work at the park, which will include a new building to house the press box, concession stand and restrooms, concrete walkways, field work and reconfiguration, underground utilities, the addition of a separate, smaller field just for T-ball, and chain-link fencing for all fields.
In addition to the $250,000 grant, Grissom said the city is pledging $55,000 of in-kind funding that will come from donated labor from the Street and Park and Recreation departments to rework the fields, and from the Russellville Electric Board for reconfiguring the light pole locations and providing underground electrical service for park lighting.
Grissom said the city is pledging $54,399 in a local match to make up the remaining difference in the total cost.
“There were a lot of people who came together to make this grant possible,” Grissom said. “Because of the timing of this flash flooding event, we only had a few days to get our grant application together and get it submitted for this year’s round of funding. Keith Jones and Marilyn Smith at NACOLG really helped us out, and we had an outpouring of support from the community as well.
“We appreciate everyone who helped us with this grant,” he said.
Councilman Jamie Harris said the community would be glad to know the park will be restored. The ballpark hasn’t been used since the flash flooding destroyed fencing, surrounding structures and the fields themselves.
“This ballpark has been used by many families in Russellville for years, and it’s an important part of our community,” Harris said. “Sports and outdoor recreation promote healthier lifestyles, and a chance for families to spend time together, so we are glad we’ll be able to get this ballpark back up and running soon for all those who wish to use it.”
Grissom said when construction actually begins, they will be taking precautions to make sure water from the nearby creek, which caused the flash flooding in May, is diverted away from the fields.
“We want to try to do all we can to make sure something like this doesn’t happen again,” he said.
Grissom said city leaders would be attending a mandatory meeting in December that will explain how the grant will be administered.
“We will know more after that meeting what kind of time frame we’re looking at as far as getting started on construction,” he said. “Our ultimate goal would be to have the park ready by the time spring sports get going. Hopefully, we’ll be able to make that happen.”