Knox and Bell counties will receive a combined $155,362 in state funding for playground projects that will use recycled waste tires to create safer public recreation spaces.
Gov. Andy Beshear announced Tuesday that more than $1.3 million will be distributed for 36 projects in 30 counties across Kentucky. The funding will help transform recycled waste tires into products such as poured-in-place playground surfaces, benches, picnic tables and landscaping materials.
Knox County Fiscal Court will receive $82,562 for a poured-in-place playground surface at Knox County Sports Park. The crumb rubber surface, made from recycled tires, is intended to improve safety at the new playground.
“I am pleased to announce that Knox County will be receiving grant funding in the amount of $82,562 for our new playground at the new Knox County Sports Park that is already being heavily used by our children,” said Knox County Judge-Executive Mike Mitchell.
“It will add a higher level of safety for our children, and a cleaner environment for them as well. We have also added new playground equipment at Bennett and Lay park that is already installed. We have the new playground equipment for Kay Jay park, that is waiting to be installed by Miracle Playground Equipment.”
Bell County will receive $72,800 through the City of Middlesboro for a poured-in-place playground project at Lincoln Park School.
The grants are funded through the Waste Tire Trust Fund, which was established by the Kentucky General Assembly in 1998. The fund receives fees collected from new tire sales and helps support the management of scrap tires generated across the state.
According to the governor’s office, Kentucky generates about 5 million scrap tires each year. State officials said the grant program helps keep tires out of landfills, waterways and along roadsides while supporting the development of markets for recycled tire products.
“These projects are a proactive way to turn a problem into a solution,” Beshear said. “By recycling tires into safe, durable resources for our parks, we are reducing waste while supporting active, healthy lifestyles for Kentucky families.”
Energy and Environment Cabinet Secretary John Lyons said the projects help reduce pollution while improving community spaces.
“Projects funded by this grant program ultimately reduce pollution and keep tires out of landfills and other places they might otherwise end up, such as in our waterways or along roadways,” Lyons said. “I’m pleased to see so many communities participating in the program.”
Published by The Mountain Advocate, May 20, 2026; article by Charles Myrick