CULLMAN, Ala. – Gov. Kay Ivey this week announced the City of Cullman has received a federal Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) grant of $500,000 to provide upgrades at Lions Club Park (now East Side Park) in Cullman.
Cullman Parks, Recreation & Sports Tourism Executive Director Nathan Anderson shared at a community forum last month that the City of Cullman is ready to invest $500,000 into renovations for the park as well.
“This grant will enhance recreational opportunities in the city of Cullman by revitalizing older features in the 4.5-acre Lions Club Park while adding popular new amenities,” Ivey said. “I commend Cullman’s leaders who realize the importance of recreation and its impact on people of all ages.”
Cullman will use the funds to upgrade and renovate the 54-year-old park. Those improvements include:
- Renovation of the existing baseball/softball complex
- Construction of four pickleball courts
- Installation of a fenced dog park
- Development of a full-sized basketball court
- Replacement of the playground and restrooms
- Construction of new roadside parking
The LWCF is a program of the National Parks Service and the U.S. Department of the Interior. The LWCF program is administered in Alabama by the Department of Economic and Community Affairs.
“This grant will breathe new life into a park that has served the city of Cullman well for more than half a century,” ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell said. “ADECA, along with Gov. Ivey, commends local leaders for this project that will make a great city an even greater place to live, work and play.”
Ivey notified Cullman Mayor Woody Jacobs that the grant had been approved. The City of Cullman is providing the required $500,000 match for the park project.
At last month’s forum, Anderson said park designers will include public feedback into three possible layouts, which will be presented at a future meeting. In addition to all the renovations, the importance of preserving the park’s trees and maintaining its peaceful atmosphere was discussed.
East Side Park is the last of Cullman’s neighborhood parks to undergo major renovations as part of the City’s ongoing commitment to improving local recreation. Construction is expected to begin once the grant process is finalized.
East Side Park is located about half a mile from East Elementary School at 1315 Seventh St. SE.
