The Botetourt County Parks & Recreation Department has announced its upcoming Recreation Incentive Fund (RIF) projects for 2025. These projects require a 50/50 match from the county. The Board of Supervisors unanimously approved reimbursement funding on December 17.
The RIF has provided county-matching funds to community-focused organizations wishing to make recreation-related capital improvements in Botetourt. The county budgeted $55,000 in funding for FY 2025. The Parks & Rec Commission determined that six projects for six county schools are eligible for funding according to current grant guidelines. The department requested $44,550.95 for 2025’s projects.
Below are the upcoming RIF projects listed by organization, location, project description, and total cost:
- Troutville Elementary PTA – Troutville Elementary – Complete repainting of the gym walls, doors, door frames, window frames, ceiling rafters, and rock wall – $15,911 ($7,955.50 requested)
- Central Academy Middle School – Buchanan Elementary – Baseball and softball scoreboard replacements – $11,920 ($5,960 requested)
- Cloverdale Elementary PTA – New playground equipment featuring a spider climber, tire swing, and spinner – $18,270.90 ($9,135.45 requested)
- Greenfield Elementary PTA – Greenfield Elementary – Repair of recreation blacktop area – $14,770.00 ($7,000 requested)
- Colonial Elementary School PTA – Colonial Elementary – Handicap accessible seating area and walking path – $19,500 ($9,500 requested)
- Buchanan Elementary – Buchanan Elementary – Upgrades to outdoor basketball courts – $10,000 ($5,000 requested)
Applicants presented their projects to the Botetourt Parks and Recreation Commission which serves as the Selection Committee. The committee made recommendations to the Board of Supervisors which serves as the final approving authority and last Tuesday, the supervisors unanimously approved the projects.
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 Elementary’s playground equipment, installation of an AED at the Greenfield soccer fields, improvements to concession stands at Read Mountain Middle School, scoreboards at James River High School, new picnic tables at Blue Ridge Park, and senior fitness equipment installed at Troutville Town Park. Local schools and booster clubs have also used grant funding for batting cages, track improvements, and other recreation/sports amenities to help benefit the community.
~ Fincastle Herald staff report
