MCPARC to Grant $40,000 to Communities For Recreation - WBOY.com: Clarksburg, Morgantown: News, Sports, Weather

MCPARC to Grant $40,000 to Communities For Recreation

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By Kelsey Pape, Marion and Taylor County Reporter - bio | email

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MARION COUNTY -

Marion County Commissioners said they are extremely happy with their county and its progress economically.

"We do have land that's surrounding the interstate that's still available," said Randy Elliott, Marion County Commission President. "We have opportunities here in Marion County. Our education system is wonderful here. We have Fairmont State University."

But, there is always room for improvement.

"We could make a bigger effort to let people know what we have here in Marion County," Commissioner Elliott said.

The Marion County Parks and Recreation Commission is looking to do just that.

It has given more than $600,000 back to the community over the past 25 years through its annual program.

"If you're looking to expand or build a playground, or to fix up your football or baseball field, or to fix up your facilities around your playground or field then this is the program for you," said Tony Michalski, MCPARC Director.

This year, MCPARC will award $40,000 in grants ranging from $500 to $5,000 per project.

"The MCPARC board, they look and try to figure out which grants increase recreational opportunities the most immediately," Michalski said. "Those are the ones that get funding first and foremost."

The county commission said the program is essential for revitalization and getting kids and even adults to spend more time outside.

"When it comes to recreation, they apply for these mini grants and it helps the little parks and playgrounds to be more suitable and safe for our kids here in Marion County," Commissioner Elliott said.

MCPARC agrees.

"We just think it's important to have a great place for these kids and adults to go play, to go exercise, to go be outside," Michalski said. "It goes toward quality of life issues. The more we can help out all these small communities with that, the better our county will be."

Communities must apply to be considered for the grant and be able to match it by at least 50 percent.

"The organization would have to come up with the 50 percent match of the funds that you're awarded," Michalski said. "That can be in kind labor or volunteer support. It doesn't have to be an out of pocket expense for that organization."

MCPARC will accept applications until March 11 and will notify the communities of its decision a few weeks after.

For more information on how to apply, visit the MCPARC website.