City of Madisonville Selected to Receive $100,000 Grant Award for Mahr Park Improvement ProjectGrant Would Fund the Construction of a New Maintenance Building
FRANKFORT, Ky. (October 29, 2019) – The Department for Local Government (DLG) today announced that the City of Madisonville, in Hopkins County, has been selected to receive a $100,000 Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) allocation for construction of a new maintenance building at Mahr Park.
“We are excited today to announce $100,000 in LWCF grant funding for the City of Madisonville,” said Gov. Matt Bevin. “Our Department for Local Government works closely with local officials to address priority projects that will most positively impact their communities. This significant investment will enable vital recreational improvements to be made.”
Mahr Park is a 265-acre site located in Madisonville within close proximity to neighborhoods, shopping, and the I-69 corridor. The land was donated to the City of Madisonville by the Mahr family with the restriction that it be used as a public park and place where visitors can appreciate the property’s natural splendor.
The site includes rolling hills, mature trees, a welcome center, nature trails, two disc golf courses, a shoreline on Lake Pee Wee, a city-owned lake, an accredited Level I Arboretum in 40 acres of woods, a handicap accessible kayak launch site, dog park, picnic area, pavilion and gazebo, Artist in Residence programs, community gardens, educational classroom, and fishing ponds. Recently, Mahr Park completed the construction of over five miles of new trails.
Future major components of the park are planned to be completed in phases and include a Growing Warriors garden, amphitheater, playgrounds, scenic overlooks, an ornamental and sculpture gardens, and a venue for large events. The property has an existing barn that perfectly suits the needed event space, and will provide the public with a beautiful setting for events, such as weddings, that will generate revenue to help fund the upkeep of the park. This barn is currently used to store large maintenance items such as mowers and other equipment.
Upon federal approval, the project would fund the construction of a proposed 5,200-square-foot building that would house these large maintenance items, providing space for a 3,000-square-foot shop, three offices, restrooms, a garage, and storage rooms. Maintenance equipment is kept on site for reasons of safety and practicality.
“Helping to expand and maintain Kentucky’s outdoor treasures like Mahr Park ensures their enjoyment now and for generations to come,” said DLG Commissioner Sandra Dunahoo. “I’m very happy that we have selected this community project for funding.”
"Recreational parks are a vital component to a local community, and the routine maintenance of those grounds is just as important," said Senator C.B. Embry. "I am pleased Hopkins County is benefitting from these grant funds."
"We continue to see good news in our part of the state, whether it be critical road improvements or new investments in our local parks," Rep. Jim Gooch said. "I'm thrilled to see us work to improve our outdoor spaces in Madisonville, which will benefit the entire community."
"Maintenance and upkeep at our parks is very important, and I'm glad to see our local officials work so closely with the Department of Local Government to secure this investment," Rep. Melinda Gibbons Prunty said. "Parks are important outdoor spaces for our families and children, and investing in them is a worthwhile cause."
"Parks are gems within our communities, and I'm glad to see our local officials work with the Department of Local government to improve and maintain them," Rep. Myron Dossett said. "This is an important recreational improvement that will positively impact Madisonville."
Land & Water Conservation Fund
The LWCF provides federal grant funds to protect important natural areas, acquire land for outdoor recreation, and to develop or renovate public outdoor recreation facilities such as campgrounds, picnic areas, sports and playfields, swimming facilities, boating facilities, fishing facilities, trails, natural areas and passive parks.
About the Department for Local Government
The Department for Local Government is an arm of the Office of the Governor dedicated to supporting local officials and communities. For more information, visit http://kydlgweb.ky.gov/.
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