The City of Kirksville’s parks system has benefited from several grant awards in recent months. Recently, the City used two Non-Playground Scrap Tire Grants administered by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources to fund the purchase of 24 benches and four picnic tables. Twenty of the benches were installed in City parks, including Patryla Park, North Park and Rotary Park. The Kirksville Police Department secured the remaining four benches and picnic tables, which are being used at the City’s Shooting Range. The benches and tables are constructed in part from recycled tire material. The installation of these pieces of public seating have diverted approximately 3,100 pounds of rubber from landfills. Additionally, new play features were installed at McKinney Bark Park in early October. These features were funded in part by a grant through the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, Region “C” Northeast Missouri Solid Waste Management District. The dog play features are constructed of recycled plastic materials and include ramps, agility features, an adjustable height jump, a slide and two benches.