The City of Wilmore was awarded three new grant programs in the month of June for a total of $245,000.
During the city council meeting on Monday, June 16, Ichthus Ministries donated $200,000 to the City of Wilmore. The money is to be used for the development of a park on 31.9 acres that they also donated to the city from the 143 acres purchased earlier on Harrodsburg Road, adjoining the Asbury College Farm near Talbott subdivision. The gift of this land and funds will allow Wilmore to develop a park to serve our community's needs for parks and recreation opportunities.
Playfields, playgrounds, picnic shelters, trails and other park facilities are being planned for this park, including a renovation of an older home (a log cabin) for community use.
We are truly grateful to Gary Baker and the Ichthus board for their major gift to Wilmore and their continued commitment to serving this community.
On June 1, the Kentucky Main Street program awarded a six-year funding of $25,000 to Wilmore. We will become a member of over 50 cities and towns working toward reversing the loss of business infrastructure in Kentucky's down-towns. The revitalization efforts work to head up a program and a promotion design and economic restructuring. The funds granted by the Kentucky Heritage Council will be used as a match toward a downtown program manager's salary on a part-time status. This position is filled by Mary Kozak.
June 16, we were notified that our KY 29 Scenic Corridor/Trail Enhancement project under the National Recreational Trails Funds received a grant of $20,000. This project includes 3,800 feet of trail with enhancements, connecting Veteran's Drive and existing walkways on North Lexington Avenue. We have also requested $205,000 in other funding from the Heritage Land Conservation Fund and are awaiting approval.
This Project is a result of the Wilmore Scenic Easement Corridor Study completed in 1989. This initial $12,000 study was jointly funded by Asbury College, Asbury Theological Seminary and the City of Wilmore. This project was also addressed in Wilmore's Community Plan, com-pleted November, 1995, which is the blueprint for the community's future development.
A park planning meeting is scheduled for Monday, June 30, at 6:00 p.m. at the City/County Park in Nicholasville. We will be viewing their new park facilities and talking with a park planner. If you would like to attend or have questions, give me a call at 858-3876 (home) or 858-4412 (City Hall). A meal is provided.
Wilmore is one of 550 cities this year in the U.S. participating in the Healthy Living/Active Lifestyle initiative sponsored by the National Recreation and Park Association. July has been declared Parks and Recreation Month at the national, state and local level. Independence Day activities on Saturday, July 5 are a part of our participation in this program. Beginning at 8 a.m. there will be a One Mile Walk, followed by a 5K Run at 8:30 a.m., a parade at 10 a.m. and other fun activities at the Wilmore Camp Ground from 11:00 til 2:00 p.m. COME OUT AND PLAY!
Mayor Harold L. Rainwater