Staff report
Several Northern Kentucky communities are among those recieving a portion of $1.3 million in state funding to improve playgrounds and parks.
The funding comes as part of the Commonwealth’s efforts to reduce waste through the Waste Tire Trust Fund, which was established in 1998 by the Kentucky General Assembly to receive fees collected from new tire sales. The fund helps manage the approximately five million scrap tires generated in Kentucky each year and promotes the development of markets for recycled tire products.
By transforming the recycled tires into safe, durable outdoor products, tire waste is dramatically reduced, supporting cleaner, healthier communities for all Kentucky families.
“These projects are a proactive way to turn a problem into a solution,” said Gov. Andy Beshear. “By recycling tires into safe, durable resources for our parks, we are reducing waste while supporting active, healthy lifestyles for Kentucky families.”
Projects in Boone and Campbell Counties are among 36 projects in 30 counties across Kentucky where the once-waste tires will help produce benches, picnic tables, poured-in-place surface playgrounds and landscaping.
In Boone County, Potter’s Ranch, located in Union, will receive $52,000 for a poured-in place playground area. In Campbell County, the City of Fort Thomas will receive $77,175 for a poured-in-place playground at Highland Hills Park, and the City of Silver Grove has been awarded $4,691 for new park benches and picnic tables at Catfish Whole Trails.
“Projects funded by this grant program ultimately reduce pollution and keep tires out of landfills and other places they might otherwise end up, such as in our waterways or along roadways,” said Energy and Environment Cabinet Secretary John Lyons. “I’m pleased to see so many communities participating in the program.”
Kentucky Department of Environmental Protection