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The town of Ragland has been awarded a $250,000 CDBG grant (Community Development Block Grant) from the state. The money will go towards Ragland’s Park and Recreation Department. “We plan on purchasing new playground equipment and a splash pad with a portion of the money,” previous Ragland Mayor Gary Daffron said.

This CDBG grant is one of several different types. Daffron explained that there were sewer and water grants but this one in particular is for parks and recreation projects. “One of the major reasons we got the grant is we were willing to kick in $100,000, giving us a total of $350,000 for these projects.”

The county could also award Ragland twenty percent of the grant, bumping down the town’s expenses. “I suspect we’ll have to put up $50,000-75,000 as a town,” Daffron said. Ragland will use their employees and equipment when possible so that the money used will go towards the match amount. “Paul Manning and the entire commission were instrumental in assisting with requests and grant assistance,” Daffron said. “Small towns don’t have the tax base to do additional projects like this,” Blaine Galliher (R-50) added. “This is the only real opportunity for the town. Many residents use their money towards day-to-day expenses. I applaud Mayor Daffron and it is a good day for the town.”

Daffron said nothing would be possible without the help and support of the previous city council. “We’ve applied for several grants through the years and you don’t always get them. $250,000 for a small town is a lot. You’re talking about a big piece of our budget.”

“This is quality of life improvement and it will be good for families,” Galliher said.

Ragland plans to use the grant money in several ways, including:

– New playground equipment for the park

– Daffron said a splash pad would be purchased and placed where the pool currently is. “I believe it will be more beneficial to the vast majority of the public.”

– Another part of the money will go towards replacing lights on the big baseball field next to town hall. “The current lights look like the leaning tower of Pisa,” Daffron joked. The lighting will be replaced with more economical models.

– The concession stand at the big field will also be renovated.