FLOYD COUNTY, Ky. (WMDJ) — Playground improvements are underway at several Floyd County parks after the county secured state funding to install poured rubber safety surfaces made from recycled tires.
The Floyd County Fiscal Court received a Crumb Rubber Grant through the Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet, marking the second time the county has been awarded the funding.
The grant program supports the use of recycled Kentucky waste tires in public projects. In 2023, funding was used to upgrade Minnie Park, one of the county’s busiest playgrounds. After missing out on funding in 2024, the county successfully applied again in 2025 to complete improvements at a District 4 park in Betsy Layne. That project wrapped up this summer.
Before installation, existing materials such as mulch must be removed and replaced with a compacted gravel base before the rubber surface is poured.
County officials say the rubber material offers better impact protection for children and requires less upkeep than traditional playground surfaces. Leaders say they plan to continue applying for the grant with the long-term goal of upgrading playground areas throughout the county park system.
For more information, contact the Floyd County Fiscal Court at 606-886-9193.
