The Town of Jamestown just got a nice half-million-dollar grant to add a special section to an existing town attraction – an all-inclusive/accessible playground at Jamestown Park.
Town officials say that, coupled with another grant that Jamestown was awarded in late 2022, the $500,000 grant will help make the park much more usable to people with physical challenges and others.
The State of North Carolina’s “Accessibility for Parks” program was allocated $10 million for parks and recreation grants that are intended to make parks and playgrounds more accessible.
Jamestown got the maximum amount from the program: Local governments could request a maximum of $500,000 with each application – with the stipulation that local governments match the grant with at least $1 of local funds for every $5 in grant money.
Cities and towns across the state – and some other entities – are benefiting from the grants. The program, which is administered through the NC. Division of Parks and Recreation and the NC Parks and Recreation Trust Fund, provides communities with money that “can be used to build accessible facilities or adapt existing facilities that meet the unique needs of children and veterans with physical and developmental disabilities.”
In a Facebook Post announcing the large grant, the Town of Jamestown’s Facebook page thanked Parks Director Scott Coakley, and Planning Director Anna Hawryluk for their efforts in securing the grants.
Jamestown Park, at 7041 East Fork Road in Jamestown, already has a good number of attractions including an 18-hole golf course, soccer and baseball fields, picnic shelters and multiple playgrounds. The golf course has a driving range, a grill and bar, and a pro shop.
The park also features access to the Bicentennial Greenway trail.
In addition, there’s a clubhouse that can be rented out for special events.