Department of Parks
Levi Jackson State Park Receives Grant For New Playground Surface

Kentucky Department of Parks News Release

Oct. 10, 2007                                                                 Contact: Gil Lawson

IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                              502-564-2172, ext. 307

                                                                                        Gil.Lawson@ky.gov

Levi Jackson State Park Receives Grant For New Playground Surface

Old Tires Made Into Crumbs

LONDON, Ky. – The Kentucky Department of Parks is using crumb rubber for a new playground at Levi Jackson State Park in London thanks to a grant from the state Environmental and Public Protection Cabinet.

The $9,500 grant is part of a Division of Waste Management program that recycles tires into crumbs to use at playgrounds. The crumb rubber has advantages over other materials because it requires less maintenance and is more absorbent, reducing injuries from falls.

In addition to safety, the use of crumb rubber has the added benefit of addressing a significant waste management problem. According to estimates, about 5 million waste tires are generated in Kentucky annually.

A similar grant was used last year for a new playground at General Butler State Resort Park at Carrollton.

Levi Jackson State Park has also installed new equipment at the playground at the group camp area. The park also has a 146-site campground, historic buildings and museum, hiking trails and picnic areas.

The park is south of London, off I-75 at exit 38, on U.S. 25 south.

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The Kentucky State Park System is composed of 52 state parks plus an interstate park shared with Virginia. The Department of Parks, an agency of the Commerce Cabinet, operates 17 resort parks with lodges -- more than any other state. Each year, Kentucky parks draw 7 million visitors and contribute $317 million to the economy. For more information on Kentucky parks, visit our Web site at http://www.parks.ky.gov