County Supervisors Award Funds for Recreation

Over $44,000 was awarded to various projects as part of Botetourt County’s Recreation Incentive Fund when the Supervisors met on Tuesday, November 22, 2022, at the Botetourt County Administration Building at the Botetourt Center at Greenfield.

All but one project would be at the county schools. Cloverdale Church of the Brethren asked for assistance with new playground equipment on the church grounds. After discussion and open consultation with the county attorney, the supervisors awarded the facility $10,000 for $24, 216 worth of playground equipment.

The county attorney cited several recent Supreme Court cases that would allow the county to utilize tax payer dollars for a facility that is open to the public yet non-profit and religiously affiliated, calling it part of the “free exercise” clause, better known as the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

The other projects that received funding are:

– a picnic pavilion at Breckinridge Elementary School with funding of $6,179 for a full total project cost of $12,359

– playground equipment at Buchanan Elementary School (PTA) with funding of $10,000 for a full total project cost of $74,000

– auxiliary gym scoreboards at James River High School with funding of $5,122 for a full total project cost of $10,245.

– a softball field PA system at Lord Botetourt High School with funding of $1,562 for a full total project cost of $3,124

– concession stand improvements at Read Mountain Middle School with funding of $1,687 for a full total project cost of $3,374.

– walking track and basketball court resealing and improvements at Troutville Elementary, with funding of $10,000 for a full total project cost of $20,752.

The county’s Recreation Incentive Fund has been in existence since 1998 and more than $2 million in projects have improved life for children and citizens in the community, Many Adkins, head of the Parks and Recreation Department, told the Supervisors.

— Anita Firebaugh, Special to The Botetourt Bee