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Spencer County holds public hearing on Land and Water Conservation Fund application for Ray Jewel Park
Summary
Spencer County held a public hearing June 2 to gather local input on a Land and Water Conservation Fund grant application to build access, parking and recreational facilities at the Ray Jewel Park site; the grant cap is $1 million and requires a 50% local match.
Spencer County Fiscal Court held a public hearing June 2 to gather local comment on a Land and Water Conservation Fund application for improvements at the Ray Jewel Park site.
The court said the county will apply for up to $1 million in grant funds; the applicant must provide a 50% match. County staff described the immediate priorities as putting in an access road and parking and then building basic recreational facilities such as playing fields, a group shelter and comfort stations.
The Land and Water Conservation Fund application process requires a public meeting to record local priorities and assurances. County staff said volunteers and donated equipment or materials can count toward the required match, and staff distributed copies of the application packet to the court and audience.
County staff outlined likely uses: a compacted road into the site, a parking lot to keep vehicles off grass, staked playing fields and facilities such as picnic shelters, trails and fishing access along the creek. Staff also listed other eligible items in the packet — playgrounds, shelters, walkways, signage, concession and maintenance buildings — and noted that the county must make written assurances as part of the application.
Several people in the audience supported adding a small playground and fishing or water access. “Any kids play is always a good thing,” a resident said during public comment. Additional speakers said improved parking and marked access would make the site usable without driving on turf.
County staff emphasized the application deadline and next steps: the packet must be completed and submitted to the state by the grant deadline, and minutes of the public hearing will be recorded and attached to the application. The staff member running the hearing said, “The maximum request is a million dollars, and the applicant must match the grant, with 50% of the total project dollar per dollar.”
The court closed the hearing after receiving comments and instructed county staff to include the record of this meeting with the application.
