Algood Breaks Ground On New 21-Acre Park

The city of Algood broke ground on its new 21-acre park off of Main Street this morning.

Mayor Lisa Chapman-Fowler said that the first phase of the work would include a trail, restrooms, and playground equipment, which they hope to have usable in the near future.

“Our citizens are going to have an even greater quality of life now that we actually have the park underway,” Chapman-Fowler said. “For them and for future generations of Algood folks and all folks to enjoy.”

Fowler said that the park plans to connect with the Rail Trail, in hopes of bringing more folks to visit the community. She said that the project had been some six or seven years in the making.

City Manager Keith Morrison said that the project would cost some $655,800. He said that the city had originally budgeted around $650,000, which also doesn’t include some $100,000 for wetland credits. but they hope to find grant money to chip away at costs.

“There’s a possibility that ARP may cover the trail, so that would chip $250,000 off and put us back in line with budget. So we’re still working all the details out. Plus we’ve got a playground grant that’s outstanding with Blue Cross Blue Shield and if it doesn’t come through we’ll try to take the ARP and try to do that playground outdoor exercise equipment with ti too. We’re still trying to get as much as we can for as little as we can.”

Mayor Randy Porter said that this project is all about the quality of life in the area. He said that with Algood growing by leaps and bounds, this could serve as a huge attraction for the area.