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Jackson County seeks grants to upgrade pavilion accessibility, playground and trails at North Sand Mountain Park
Summary
Park staff told commissioners they will apply for several grants — including an AARP opportunity, T‑Mobile Hometown Grant and a community ‘Wishes’ grant referenced in the materials — to pay for pavilion accessibility work, new playground equipment and an accessible trail. Deadlines for the referenced grants fall between March 5 and April 18.
Park staff asked the Jackson County Commission for permission to apply for several grants to fund accessibility and facility upgrades at the county park commonly referred to in meeting materials as North Sand Mountain Park.
Scope of projects: Staff described three priority projects: repairs and accessibility upgrades to the main pavilion (including roof work, walking surfaces, apron and restroom updates), purchase and installation of playground equipment to broaden rental appeal, and paving about 750 feet of an interior trail to create an accessible loop that would connect the park’s trailhead with garden and natural areas.
Grant opportunities and timing: Park staff identified several grant opportunities they planned to pursue: an AARP grant with a March 5 application deadline, a T‑Mobile Hometown Grant (deadline cited as March 31 and described as potentially matching up to $50,000), and a community health/wellness grant referenced in packet materials and described in the meeting as a “KFC Wishes” or “Kentucky Fried Chicken Wishes” program (deadline cited as April 18). Staff said the grants would not require county matching funds in the presented applications.
Why it matters: Staff said pavilion and trail upgrades would improve accessibility for older residents and people with mobility impairments, increase rental use of the pavilion (staff said the pavilion was rented about 35 times last year) and allow visitors to access the master-gardener plantings and wildlife areas. A paved interior trail would create an accessible loop of nearly half a mile and reduce trip hazards where roots have lifted the existing surface.
Action taken: Commissioners gave staff permission to proceed with grant applications and said they would return to the commission for formal acceptance if award notices are received. Park staff noted the AARP deadline is imminent and requested authority to submit applications now so deadlines are met.
Ending: Staff said playground equipment already purchased for another park had arrived and installers were delayed by weather; park staff expect installation next week. Commissioners thanked park staff and encouraged pursuit of the grants.
