FRANKLIN — The City of Franklin is sprucing up its recreation centers after being awarded a $30,000 grant from a partnership involving the National Recreation and Park Association and Walmart.

Mayor Eugene Foulcard credits Tammy Rogers, his administrative assistant, and Chris Barrilleaux, the city’s recreation director, for writing the grant application to win the prize.

Foulcard said the grant is part of a $1.5 million award the National Recreation and Park Association received from the Walmart Foundation, to support out-of-school time programs in park and recreation agencies across the country.

He said the funds are earmarked for upgrades at both of the city’s recreation centers, which include: two new refrigerators, two new freezers, a steam table, new toilets, sinks and urinals, 40 new tables and 200 new chairs and one water cooler. Also included in the money was the labor to install all of the new equipment.

“This is just an example of how we’re trying to improve the quality of life here in Franklin. We’re looking for grants, and we’re applying for them,” he said.

The city will also receive additional support for meals provided through the USDA afterschool and summer feeding programs, as well as nutritional literacy materials to help ensure life-long healthy habits for children, the mayor said.

Barrilleaux and Rogers both commented on how excited they were, when they heard the news about receiving the grant.

“This grant will allow us to give a facelift to our outdated restrooms and kitchens at both the McKerall O’Neill and Broussard Harris Recreation Centers,” Barrilleaux said.

Rogers said she heard the water cooler that is being replaced at the city recreation center, which is located on E.A. Shine Fouquier Street, was actually the first one purchased when the building opened in the 1950s.

Kellie Mae, National Recreation and Park Association Vice-President of programs, said she is thankful for the partnership between her association and the Walmart Foundation, because it makes health and wellness a priority in local rural communities.

“Parks and recreation are proving their critical role in the health of their communities and we can’t wait to see the impact this year’s grants will have on fostering life-long

healthy habits in children across the country,” she said.

She said the recreation and park association is a national, not-for-profit organization that is dedicated to ensuring that all Americans have access to parks and recreation for health, conservation, and social equity.

Foulcard said he is also looking forward to continue developing the Project Front Yard program with the city.

“With this project we will work to restore our city through litter abatement and improved city streetscapes and the city’s gateway entrances.”