Jacksonville, AL – City leaders in Jacksonville announced on Friday that the municipality has secured a $50,000 grant from T-Mobile Corporation. The grant will be utilized to construct a gazebo, enhancing the recreational amenities at the Jacksonville Public Safety Complex park.
Jacksonville Police Chief Marcus Wood spearheaded the effort to secure the grant through T-Mobile’s Hometown Grant program, initiated in April 2021. This program has already allocated over $12 million to small towns across the United States. Chief Wood’s proposal outlined plans to build a gazebo at the pond located within the Jacksonville Public Safety Complex park. The park, which features a 1/4-mile walking track surrounding the pond, is a popular spot for locals to fish, picnic, and enjoy outdoor activities.
Reflecting on the project, Chief Wood expressed excitement about the opportunity to provide residents with a designated space to relax and enjoy the park’s amenities. He noted the increasing popularity of the park among community members and highlighted the importance of creating additional recreational spaces.
Jacksonville joins 275 communities in 46 states that have been awarded grants through T-Mobile’s Hometown Grant program. With a goal of distributing $25 million to communities nationwide, the program aims to support local development initiatives across various sectors, including infrastructure, education, technology, and the environment.
T-Mobile emphasized its commitment to empowering small towns and rural communities through initiatives like Project 10Million, which provides free internet connectivity and mobile hotspots to eligible students, and T-Mobile 5G Home Internet and Business Internet services, offering reliable and affordable broadband options.
The selection process for Hometown Grant recipients involves a partnership between T-Mobile, Main Street America, and Smart Growth America. Applications are evaluated based on factors such as community impact, feasibility, and level of detail.
Expressing gratitude for T-Mobile’s support, Jacksonville Mayor Johnny Smith highlighted the significance of the grant in improving the quality of life for residents. He underscored the city’s dedication to enhancing community infrastructure and amenities for the benefit of all citizens.
As design decisions and construction timelines for the gazebo project are finalized, Jacksonville residents eagerly anticipate the transformation of the Public Safety Complex park into an even more inviting and enjoyable space for leisure and recreation. For further information about T-Mobile’s commitment to small towns and to track the impact of Hometown Grants, interested parties are encouraged to visit www.t-mobile.com/hometowngrants.
