The Missouri Department of Natural Resources has selected five Missouri cities to receive a total of $1.1 million in Land and Water Conservation Fund grants to improve public outdoor recreation areas, including several projects in the KMMO listening area.
“As an agency, we are continually focused on improving the quality of life for Missourians,” said Missouri Department of Natural Resources Director Dru Buntin. “Communities can accomplish this with the financial assistance of these grants. We also hope to build long-lasting partnerships with these communities.”
“These grants provide much-needed park improvements to cities that might not be able to afford them otherwise,” said Missouri State Parks Director David Kelly. “From upgrading and improving swimming facilities to installing new playground equipment, the towns and cities will be improving their outdoor recreation opportunities for their citizens and visitors.”
While improving and maintaining infrastructure at Missouri’s 92 state parks and historic sites is one of MoDNR’s priorities, Buntin said the department also looks to find more effective and efficient ways to target funding assistance to help Missouri communities thrive.
Nearly 80% of the department’s budget passes through to local communities. The Land and Water Conservation Fund awards are an important part of this effort. From 2016 to 2020, MoDNR has passed $13.1 million in these grants to communities throughout Missouri.
The cities that received grants include California, Kirksville, Mountain View, and Lancaster. Bothwell Lodge State Historic Site and Knob Noster State Park are also received grants.
Bothwell Lodge State Historic Site and Knob Noster State Park received $239,374 for playground upgrades. Bothwell Lodge State Historic Site will install new play equipment and bonded rubber surfacing at the day-use playground. Knob Noster State Park will renovate playgrounds in the campground and day-use areas by adding new equipment and safety surfacing.
For more information on these grants, visit mostateparks.com/page/61215/land-and-water-conservation-fund-lwcf-grants.