The Rough River State Park will soon have a new look for the old basketball courts thanks to a grant from the Coco-Cola Company.

Rough River was selected by the program Coca-Cola for the Sprite Park Project to ensure that communities all over the country have safe and fun places where people can get active and play ball.

Augusto Elias, Sprite Band Director said, “Teaming up with local residents and officials to support our home parks is a rewarding way to encourage fun.”

People nationwide logged onto Sprite.com and Facebook.com/Sprite to nominate courts they wished to receive refurbishment grants, and top nominees were selected as finalists.

Then supporters of the finalists logged onto Sprite.com to vote for the final courts to win one of the 21 grants available through the program.

Renovation of the winning courts may begin as soon as this summer. The grant monies from the Sprite Parks Project will provide such items as new rims, backboards, court resurfacing lights, benches, and art installation as determined by the park manager.

Rough River State Park can use the $20,000 from the grant to improve the basketball area in any way it chooses.

The courts are just one way visitors can enjoy the many luxuries of the lake.

Rough River Dam State Resort Park is surrounded by rolling countryside overlooking a 5,000 acre lake.

The park offers daily recreational activities from Memorial Day Weekend until Labor Day Weekend. Hikes, crafts, games, campfire programs, fishing, canoe trips and archery are just a few of the activities we offer. Almost all activities are free of charge.

The park officials have teamed up with the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife to provide a Fishing Loaner Program for their guests. The Recreation Department will loan a fishing pole and tackle box.

The Recreation Department can plan and lead activities for school groups, corporate groups, birthday parties, etc.

During this time of year the wildlife around the lake is spectacular; wild turkey are a pretty common sighting on the park, especially early in the morning and late in the evening.

There are also deer during these times as well. A ride around the lake on the Lady of the Lake II Boat Tour, will most likely bring sightings of several Great Blue Herons, Canada Geese, and there could possibly be an eagle flying overhead.