Botetourt County Parks and Recreation has announced the recipients of the 2022 Recreation Incentive Funds. This program offers matching funds to community service groups, individuals and businesses wishing to make recreation-related capital improvements that benefit the general public. Seven county organizations, including non-profit entities and Botetourt County schools, were awarded $44,551.60.
“This year’s recipients showed creativity, ingenuity and strategy in their grant submissions,” says Parks and Recreation Director Mandy Adkins. “Botetourt County is so happy that we can assist our local schools and community leaders in improving recreation opportunities for our entire community.”
This year’s recipients are: Buchanan Elementary for new playground equipment – $74,000 (total project cost), $10,000 (requested); Read Mountain Middle School for improvements to concession stand – $3,374 (total project), $1,687 (requested); Breckinridge Elementary for construction of new pavilion – $12,359.74 (total project), $6,179.87 (requested); Cloverdale Church of the Brethren for new playground equipment – $24,216.39 (total cost), $10,000 (requested); James River High School for auxiliary gym scoreboards – $10,245 (total cost), $5,122.50 (requested); Troutville Elementary for track and blacktop surface improvements – $20,752 (total cost), $10,000 (requested); Lord Botetourt High School for a softball field sound system – $3,124.46 (total cost), $1,562.23 (requested).
Eight organizations applied for funding and seven received approval. Applicants presented their project to the Botetourt Parks and Recreation Commission, which serves as the Selection Committee, during their November meeting. The committee made recommendations to the Board of Supervisors, which serves as the final approving authority.
Since the program’s inception in 1998, the grant has led to over $2 million worth of improvements to property within the county. Some of the completed projects include the design and installation of the James River mile marker signage, improvements made to Buchanan and Troutville Town Parks, and new picnic tables at Blue Ridge Park. Local schools and booster clubs have also used grant funding for batting cages, scoreboards, and other recreation/sports amenities to help benefit the students in the county.
Follow Botetourt County Parks and Recreation on social media and on the Botetourt County website at www.botetourtva.gov to follow the progress of these projects.
~ Botetourt County Communications