ST. CHARLES SECURES GRANT FOR KILLONA PARK EXPANSION

KILLONA - A grant from the National Park Service will fund an upcoming expansion of Killona Park, including a new men's baseball field and pavilion.

The Land and Water Conservation Fund grant in the amount of $122,725.50 was awarded April 14, according to Holly Fonseca, St. Charles Parish Grants Officer. It will be administered through the Louisiana Office of State Parks.

"The grant will also be used to construct two parking lots and two picnic tables with barbecue pits for the pavilion," Fonseca said.

Phase I of the Killona Park development was completed in 2006 with L&CWF grant funds totaling $167,500. That work included improvements such as a batting cage, concession stand, restroom facilities, striping of the existing basketball court, upgrades to the baseball field and two smaller pavilions.

The parish was able to use the donated value of the park's land as local matching funds for both phases of the development, Fonseca said.

Phase II of Killona Park should begin construction within the next two or three months.

The mission of St. Charles Parish Government is to provide high quality, efficient services to sustain and enhance the quality of life for all residents of St. Charles Parish.

For more information, contact Renee C. Allemand, St. Charles Parish Public Information Officer, at (985) 783-5000.