As St. Johns County prepares to recognize Veterans Day, it has announced that its Parks and Recreation Department was awarded $54,785.66 in federal funding through the Adaptive Sports Grant Program of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to offer three monthly veteran-exclusive kayaking, fishing and art programs.
“We are proud and honored to accept these funds from the Adaptive Sports Programs for Disabled Veterans and Disabled Members of the Armed Forces Grant Program under the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs,” St. Johns County Parks and Recreation Director Ryan Kane said. “It will empower us to continue to offer programs that are uniquely designed and developed for disabled military veterans. As they play and compete in our activities in parks that fly the American flag, they will know that St. Johns County cares about them and their physical, mental and spiritual health.”
The Veterans Programs include archery, pickleball, art, fishing and kayaking.
“This is a phenomenal program,” St. Johns County Veterans Service Director Joseph McDermott said. “It enriches the quality of life for military veterans injured in their service to our country in protecting our freedoms. These activities give them the freedom to be a part of our parks and recreation programs.”
On April 4, the Board of County Commissioners authorized the Parks and Recreation Department to apply for the grant. On Sept. 26, the county was notified that it received the funds. At the board’s Nov. 7 regular meeting, staff brought back the grant agreement for execution, recognition and appropriation of the grant award within the fiscal year 2024 general fund Parks and Recreation Department budget.
“Our slogan in Parks and Recreation is ‘Play Your Way.’” Kane said. “That is what we are offering — opportunities for these brave men and women of our military forces to play their way.”
