MUHLENBERG CO., KY (WFIE) -
A few months ago, there was a possibility the state of Kentucky might shut down the Lake Malone State Park, but local officials say that's not the case anymore.
Now, a local organization in Muhlenberg County is taking steps to make improvements.
Residents familiar with Lake Malone State Park say it's relatively small compared other state parks across the commonwealth, but many say that doesn't take away from what it has to offer.
"It's a landmark and I don't know, we've got to claim it back," said Donald Phelps with Friends of Lake Malone.
Recently, there were talks of shutting down some state parks, including Lake Malone, due to a lack of funding, but thanks to the volunteer group the friends of Lake Malone the park is here to stay.
"We've been assured by Miss Walker, the Commissioner of Parks, that this park will be here," said Friends of Lake Malone President Roger Griffin.
A couple weeks ago, the Friends group applied for a federal tax exemption for the park, that will allow them to seek funding through grants from local organizations. Something Griffin says will really jump start this transformation.
"The main thing that we really need when you're trying to do some large projects is large amounts of money," Griffin told 14 News.
Griffin says some of these projects could include revamping the beach with volleyball courts, more walking trails, an amphitheater, and a water spray park.
"We're at the start of something great down here as a group and so, as the word spreads, people are jumping on board and wanting to be part of it," Griffin told 14 News.
Phelps says the whole community feels a sense of energy knowing this project will soon become a reality.
"I've seen the park, what it was, I see what it is now and we're doing things and I've got a real good feeling," said Phelps.
Organizers hope to hear back on the park's federal tax exemption within the next three months.
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Phelps says the whole community feels a sense of energy knowing this project will soon become a reality.
