Two separate grants were recently awarded to Minooka Park and Higgins Ferry Park totaling $10,000.

Chilton County Parks and Recreation Manager Gerald Arrington spoke to members of the Chilton County Commission Oct. 14 regarding the grants, which were both awarded from Cawaco Resource Conservation and Development Council.

Arrington said he applied for the grants Aug. 10 and was notified the first of October that he had received them.

The $5,000 grant for Minooka Park will purchase a four-seat commercial swing set, with engineered fiber material play surfacing and border, which will be installed.

“The swings being replaced have been at Minooka Park approximately four years and were previously used at a city park so I’m not exactly sure how old they are,” Arrington said. “The new swings will be placed in a common area close to the lake and beside a large pavilion.”

Arrington said it is his hope that the swing and play surface will serve as a starting point for the park to add additional play equipment as funds become available.

The second grant for $5,000 came after the Chilton County Parks and Recreation Department partnered with the Lake Mitchell H.O.B.O Association in order to apply for a grant at Higgins Ferry Park.

Arrington said the grant will pay for fire rings in the RV campground, a few commercial park benches to be placed in common areas, and materials to be used to build a walking trail.

The trail would connect a section of the RV campground with the boat launch parking lot, docks, and shoreline.

“The new benches will replace older wooden benches,” Arrington said.

Fire rings are commonly used in campgrounds and parks for fire safety. They contain cook fires, and create a safe area for individuals to enjoy a campfire.

Although the deadline for completion for the two projects under the grant is Aug. 1, 2015, Arrington anticipates both projects should be completed within the next two months.