25 cities to share in more than $26M in parks and recreation grants
More than $26 million in funds for parks and recreation will be shared among 25 municipalities for projects including improvements to and purchases of parks, natural areas, greenways, and recreational facilities.
Gov. Bill Lee and the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) announced 26,501,705.74 has been awarded to 32 communities – including 25 municipalities – across Tennessee for local parks and recreation projects. In total, 28 municipal parks will benefit from all 32 grants.
“From Mountain City to Memphis, our state is blessed with natural beauty and rich resources,” Lee said. “These investments are critical in providing outdoor experiences for Tennesseans to enjoy for generations to come, and I appreciate the Tennessee General Assembly’s partnership in this effort.”
Funding is made possible through the Local Parks and Recreation Fund (LPRF). Administered by TDEC’s Division of Recreation Resources, LPRF funds may be used for the purchase of land for parks, natural areas, greenways, and the purchase of land for recreational facilities. LPRF is a competitive grant program and provides funds via reimbursements for awarded projects with qualified expenses.
“The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation is proud to assist local leaders across the state with these important projects in their communities,” TDEC Commissioner David Salyers said. “We look forward to seeing these projects enhance communities across the state.”
Adamsville will receive $101,200 for resurfacing and batting cage improvements at City Park while Bolivar will use $601,194.65 for improvements to utilities, the amphitheater, restrooms, parking, and boat ramp at Sand Beach Park.
Camden will receive $440,000 for improvements at Camden City Park, including the amphitheater, a new restroom facility, and ADA-compliant walkways, while Centerville will use $72,100 to purchase two sets of playground equipment at C.A. Thompson Park
Dyer will utilize $210,284.50 for a playground expansion, resurfacing, tennis courts repairs, pickleball court conversion, and ADA compliance projects at David Robinson City Park. East Ridge will receive $400,000 to install two new youth basketball courts and a full-sized regulation court at the East Ridge Community Center.
Farragut will use $1.365 million for synthetic turf replacement, ADA compliance projects, and volleyball court reconstruction at Mayor Bob Leonard Park and for the construction of a new, 1.2-acre dog park at McFee Park. Gatlinburg will utilize $850,000 for a pedestrian connectivity network at Mills Park
Greenbrier will receive $290,000 for ADA improvements and nature playground construction at Louise Martin Community Park while Henderson will use $512,008.17 for resurfacing, playground expansion, creation of a new play area and a new pavilion at Gene Record Park.
Jackson will use $1,083,012.50 for the creation of the new Windy City Road Park as well as a new skatepark at Matchpoint Park and improvements at Shirlene Mercer, Wallace Road Park, and Stella Duncan parks. Jonesborough will also receive $2,445,250 to create the new Tiger Park, which will have four playgrounds, tennis and pickleball courts, and a rubberized track.
Lexington will receive $688,778.12 for the creation of the new Depot Park with a 10,000-square-foot train-themed playground, stone nature play area, pathways, and benches. LaFollette will use $225,000 for improvements at Liberty Park.
Medina will use $339,800 to build two new pickleball courts, two shade structures, and an inclusive playground at Medina Community Park while Mount Carmel will receive $200,000 for improvements to the walking trail and restrooms at Mount Carmel City Park.
Newbern will use $200,000 to replace a swimming pool with a splash pad, relocate a basketball court, and add a new parking lot Oakview Recreation Park. Oakland will receive $2.5 million for the new Oakland Sports Complex, which will feature four multipurpose fields, a restroom and concession facility, and walking and jogging asphalt trail,
Pleasant View will receive $444,575 for new playground, four tennis courts, and ADA-compliant walkways at Community Park. Rockwood will use $365,000 for swimming pool repairs and ADA-compliance projects at the Rockwood Community Center.
Rogersville will receive $500,000 for improvements to its concession and restroom facility, playground, and walkways at Rogersville City Park. South Pittsburg will use $1,571,556.60 for the new, 16.2-acre River Park, which will include a kayak launch, dog park, event lawn, sports field, and restrooms. Springfield will use $500,000 for improvements at Garner Street Park, including a playground replacement, ADA renovations, and conversion of a tennis court to two pickleball courts.
Sweetwater will use $554,000 for swimming pool replastering, ADA improvements, resurfacing four tennis court and walking track, and conversation of a tennis court to two pickleball courts at the Sweetwater Recreation Complex. Winchester will receive $475,000 for lighting and ADA-compliance projects at City Park.
Other entities receiving funds include $1.945 million for Grundy County to build an inclusive playground in Coalmont, $343,266.80 for Henderson County to create Westover Park in Lexington, $630,000 to McMinn County for improvements at McMinn County Bicentennial Park, $1,412,257.50 to McNairy County for improvements to the McNairy County Agricultural Event Center, and $1,568,399 to Rhea County for the Abel Sports Complex. Stewart County also received $1.3 million for improvements at Cumberland City Park, the Stewart Couty Athletic Association Fields, Stewart County Community Park, Hickman Creek Park, Dover Park, and the creation of the new Indian Mound Park.