Johnston County's latest move to enrich its community spaces is set to bring about tangible improvements across several towns. As posted on Johnston County Government's official social media, the Board of Commissioners handed out over a quarter million dollars in grants on December 1. Pooled together from developer fees, this $352,565.22 in Open Space Fund grants require the recipients to add a 25% match—a testament to the importance of both public and private investment in local infrastructure. From accessible bleachers at Corinth-Holders Elementary School to LED lighting for Pine Level's fields, the investments are as diverse as they are community-centric.
The specific allocations are designed to not only upgrade existing amenities but also to ensure greater accessibility and enjoyment for all residents. To highlight a few, Corinth-Holders Community Recreation is set to receive $18,750 to help install handicap-accessible bleachers, while the Town of Princeton plans to literally pave the way for inclusive recreation with an $84,814.47 grant for a handicap-accessible walking trail. The Town of Benson is set to upgrade Mitchell Nance Athletic Park's pickleball courts with $27,507, adding amenities that promise to refine the sport's local presence.
Repair and renovation are also key themes among the awarded sums. The Town Of Smithfield will channel its $30,000 into mending wooden bridges along the Buffalo Creek Greenway, an essential step in preserving the integrity and safety of popular walking paths. Similarly, Meadow Athletic Association will be to replace outdated lighting with energy-efficient LEDs, and improve overall field safety and drainage with an $86,718.75 grant.
The governing body's grant awards are not just about large-scale projects. Smaller, but equally impactful improvements are also on the agenda, with the Town Of Wilson's Mills looking to enhance cyclists' experiences with a $10,000 investment into a bike staging and repair station. And the local youth sports scene receives a nod with the Four Oaks Civitan's plan to construct a storage building at Citivan Park with an equal grant amount, streamlining equipment management for local leagues.
