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If awarded, grant would help fund modern playground at Robinson Park

The Andalusia City Council this week agreed to apply for grant funding to enhance one of the city’s oldest parks.

The council agreed to apply for a Community Development Block Grant during a meeting on Tuesday that, if awarded, would be used for a new playground at Robinson Park, located at Church Street and Railroad Avenue.

City Administrator John Thompson said Robinson Park’s location makes it one of the most used parks in the city.

“We have a significant investment in that area with the arts center, housing developments … it is one of our most important parks located in the heart of Andalusia. Rehabbing that park is something that is greatly needed for our young people and children,” Thompson said.

The project cost is estimated at $793,620. The grant funding would cover $400,000 of that cost with the city paying the additional $393,620.

The improvements to the playground would include handicap accessibility.

“Robinson Park is one of the oldest parks in the city and it has historically received a lot of use. It is also one of those areas where we are working to bring new life to the neighborhood. I think this will be a big impetus to that,” said Mayor Earl Johnson.

Taking on the project at this time is directly tied to whether the city is awarded the CDBG grant.

In another topic related to parks, the council approved $45,000 to continue work on a pond that will be a central feature of the future Heritage Park. The work approved included fill materials to be for excavation work around the pond.

Other items discussed during Tuesday’s meeting included the following:

• approving the costs to bill property owners for recent abatements. Those properties and costs included work done on Choctaw Street, $315.70; Stanley Avenue, $301.40; S. Cotton Street, $482.90; and S. Three Notch Street, $355.30.
• approving nine properties for abatements, involving grass and junk removal. Those properties are located on Packer Avenue, Allen Avenue, Sanford Road, Sixth Avenue, Faircloth Street, Scherf Drive, two on Pecan Street, and Lucky Lane.

The next city council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, August 6, at city hall, with a work session beginning at 5:30 and the regular meeting at 6 p.m. The public is invited to attend.