Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr., (GA-02) is pleased to announce a $250,000 grant to the City of Byron, GA, and a $50,000 grant to the City of Centerville, GA, from the National Park Service. These grants are intended for recreational facilities in the respective communities. The grants were made possible through the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) State and Local Assistance Program.

In Byron, the $250,000 grant will assist in the construction of the Byron Skatepark. The 8,000 square foot skatepark will service the community and provide a new recreational option for Byron’s residents. In Centerville, the $50,000 grant will assist in the installation of additional playground equipment and a sensory area to improve the park’s accessibility to everyone.

“Projects like this are good for the health and wellbeing of Georgians and our communities by creating safe, accessible recreation spaces that bring families together and encourage children to socialize and play with one another,” said Congressman Bishop. “I continue to work with my colleagues in Congress on both sides of the aisle to support the National Park Service and the Land and Water Conservation Fund so that Georgia and communities like Byron and Centerville have the resources for these community building projects.”

“The City of Byron is excited that we were able to secure this grant with the assistance of our partners in Congress, who always stand ready to assist when they can. This grant will provide for a new skate park, which will afford wonderful recreational opportunities for those younger citizens of our community who, unlike myself, have grown up in an era in which skating and skateboarding have become recognized sports,” said Michael L. Chidester, mayor of the city of Byron. “We truly appreciate the consideration given our application not only by the Land and Water Conservation Fund and the National Park Service, but also by Rep. Bishop and our Senators.”

“The City of Centerville is very appreciative and excited for this wonderful opportunity to partner with the National Park Service. The city will use the $50,000 federal grant to enhance its crown jewel, Center Park, by providing new playground equipment for children under 10 as well as additional equipment that provides sensory and inclusionary activities for people of all ages. Center Park is enjoyed by people throughout the Centerville community and the entire Middle Georgia area,” said John R. Harley, mayor of the city of Centerville. “A huge shout out and thanks goes out to Congressman Bishop and the Land and Water Conservation Fund State and Local Assistance Program.”

Created by Congress in 1964, the LWCF was a bipartisan commitment to safeguard natural areas, water resources and our cultural heritage, and to provide recreation opportunities to all Americans. In August 2020, the President signed the Great American Outdoors Act into law, which requires that the LWCF be funded at $900 million a year.