By By Laura Courson, Staff Writer
The recreational trails of Tom Byrne Memorial and Houston Avery Commemorative Parks will soon be improved courtesy of a $4,800 grant awarded by Governor Don Siegelman.
Mayor Howard Shell said the grant was delivered on a 80- 20 split.
The trails at both parks will have a "sealing coat" added to the current asphalt. The renovation will prolong the life of the trails by reinforcing and adding a kind of "cushion" to them.
Shell says that the seal will help preserve the trails as well as making them smoother to walk on.
The set date for the improvements to begin is uncertain due to government requirements. It is a requirement that cities receiving grants attend a Comprehensive Workshop on Federal Grants which will layout the specifications of the grant.
After the Comprehensive Workshop on Federal Grants, the city will begin to take bids on the project. Then the "sealing process" can begin.
The trails are used for walking, jogging, biking, skating and the are handicap accessible. The are also a convenient means of accessing the parks amenities such as the pavilions, tennis courts, picnic tables, grills, restrooms, swimming pool and baseball field.
Governor Don Siegelman believes that all outdoor recreational facilities are important.
The grant was awarded from funds made available to the state by the Recreational Trails Program of the Federal highway Administration. The Alabama department of Economic and Community Affairs will administer the grant.