Madison applying for grant to upgrade park

MADISON — Liberty Village Playground at Liberty Park here could get an upgrade soon.

The city of Madison is applying for a 2021 Land and Water Conservation Fund Grant through the Mississippi Department of Wildlife in Fisheries to fund the proposed upgrade at Liberty Village Playground at Liberty Park. 

The 50-50 matching grant would total $450,000, with the City of Madison paying $225,000, and the Mississippi Department of Wildlife and Fisheries paying $225,000.  

Parks and Recreation Director for the city of Madison Nathan Hanson said it will be a few months before the city knows if the grant will be awarded. 

“If we get the grant, the money will be used to upgrade the Liberty Village Playground at Liberty Park,” Hanson said. “We’ll invest in more safety play surfacing such as new turf, and new playground equipment. We’re hoping we can get equipment for ages 0-2 area, and the ages 2-5 area of the playground.”

Hanson said the new equipment choices are not final, since it depends on the availability of supplies. 

“If the grant is awarded, we’ll file a request for proposal to see what supplies are available,” he said. “We’re very excited to apply for the grant and can’t wait to start the project if we get it. We hope to expand the playing experience and quality of life for your children in Madison.”

The Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) Federal program supports the protection of federal public lands and waters, including national parks, forests, wildlife refuges and recreation areas, and voluntary conservation on private land.