FROM STAFF REPORTS

New and better recreation facilities are coming to seven Shelby County locations thanks to a $236,000 grant program passed by the county commission Monday.

The commission awards Park and Recreation grants each winter and summer in accordance with the county budget, said County Manager Alex Dudchock.

Each of the seven applicants received funding this cycle.

Receiving grant monies were:

-Thompson Middle School, $50,000 to install an adapted fitness and sensory center for special needs children.

-Oak Mountain Youth Baseball and Softball, $24,000 to install bleacher covers at all baseball and softball fields at Heardmont Park.

-Thompson High School, $7,445.50 to replace existing home side bleachers, adding 100 percent seating capacity.

-Calera Dixie Youth, $29,500 to build, with the assistance of the city of Calera, a storage and restroom facility at Oliver Park.

-City of Chelsea, $50,000 to install lighting for three softball fields and one football field.

-Chelsea Youth Club, $25,250 to increase field size on field No. 4, increase practice space with a new batting cage, build two new pavilions and add lighting to batting practice pavilion.

-City of Alabaster, $50,000 to install a new playground and an entrance sign at Veterans Park and replace a pavilion at Warrior Park