A $10,000 grant has been awarded to support upgrades to York’s City Park and local recreation spaces, city officials announced this week.
The funding was secured by Councilman Jazmin Mitchell through the Tombigbee RC&D Council, and will be used to enhance amenities and improve overall conditions at community recreation areas.
Work on the project is expected to begin in mid to late January 2026, with completion anticipated by June 2026.
The project is part of ongoing efforts to invest in community infrastructure and expand recreational opportunities for local residents. The improvements are aimed at creating safer, more enjoyable spaces for families and residents throughout York.
What inspired you to pursue the $10,000 grant from the Tombigbee RC&D Council for York’s City Park and recreation spaces?
I pursued the $10,000 grant from the Tombigbee RC&D Council because York’s City Park had become significantly underutilized and was in urgent need of revitalization. The park is an important community asset, but inadequate facilities and years of limited maintenance had made it difficult for families and young people to enjoy the space.
We were facing several challenges — too little playground equipment, basketball courts that needed resurfacing, poor lighting, and a lack of seating and restroom facilities. These conditions not only limited recreational opportunities but also affected safety and overall community engagement.
Securing this grant was an opportunity to address those issues head‑on and restore the park to a place where residents of all ages can gather, play, and take pride in their community. My goal was to help create a public space that reflects the spirit and needs of the people of York.
How did this opportunity come to your attention, and what was involved in the grant application process?
This opportunity came to my attention because I am always actively seeking new revenue sources and fresh ideas that can benefit the City of York. In that process, neighboring Mayor Bird Dial, City of Livingston—who has consistently been a tremendous resource and supporter to both me and our city—shared that the Tombigbee RC&D grant would be a good fit for our needs and encouraged me to apply.
Once I looked into it, the application process itself was very straightforward and not complicated. It allowed us to clearly outline the needs of our park and present a strong case for why revitalizing this space is so important for our community.
Why was this grant important for York at this time?
This grant was especially important for York at this time because the need was truly great. Our park had reached a point where the lack of safe, functional, and inviting recreational spaces was affecting families, youth, and the overall quality of community life. We simply could not ignore it any longer.
With aging equipment, deteriorating courts, poor lighting, and limited seating and restroom access, the park was not meeting the needs of our residents. At a time when communities everywhere are working to strengthen public spaces and encourage outdoor activity, York deserved the same opportunity. This grant allowed us to take a meaningful step toward restoring a vital community asset. It came at exactly the right moment to help us address long‑standing issues and begin creating a park that reflects the pride and potential of the people of York.
What specific improvements can residents expect to see at the City Park and other recreation areas?
Residents can expect to see several meaningful upgrades at the City Park and other recreation areas as part of this $17,000 initiative. Our goal is to improve safety, accessibility, and overall usability of these public spaces.
The project includes upgrading existing infrastructure and enhancing key park facilities. We will improve lighting throughout the park, refurbish the restrooms, and resurface the basketball courts to make them safer and more enjoyable for our youth. We are also purchasing additional seating to better accommodate families and community gatherings.
Another major focus is accessibility. We will be resurfacing the park entrance to improve mobility and ensure that the facilities meet ADA compliance standards. These improvements will help create a more welcoming, inclusive environment for all residents.
Overall, these upgrades represent a significant step toward revitalizing our recreational spaces and giving the people of York a park, they can truly enjoy and take pride in.
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