Cities to share in $22M in state parks and recreation grants

The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation’s Office of Outdoor Recreation announced more than $22 million in grants to be shared among 23 municipalities across the state. 

The $22,059,191 in funds awarded come from the Local Parks and Recreation Fund (LPRF) program, the Tennessee Recreation Initiative Program (TRIP), and the Recreational Trails Program (RTP). The 23 municipalities were among 31 total entities receiving funds.  

The LPRF program provides state funding to match local government investments for projects and the purchase of land for parks, natural areas, greenways, and recreational facilities. All grant projects must be on publicly owned land. 

LPRF awards included $300,000 for Atoka, $400,000 for Bells, $445,125 for the Johnson City Parks and Recreation Department, $359,000 for Crossville, $300,000 for Gallaway, $1.129 million for Goodlettsville, $3.5 million for Hendersonville, $292,500 for Huntingdon, $1.75 million for Jonesborough, $2.773 million for Lafollette, $963,421 for Lakeland, $353,625 for Lebanon, $255,817 for Louisville, $55,000 for Luttrell, $2.25 million for White Bluff, $704,000 for White House, $125,000 for Whitwell, and two awards of $100,000 each for Greeneville. Other LPRF awards were given to Megis and Williamson counties.  

The TRIP is a state funded program that provides grant money to cities and counties who lack professional park and recreational directors and do not provide a comprehensive recreation delivery system in their community to assist with the establishment of the first Parks and Recreation Department. TRIP awards included $50,000 for Ardmore and $50,000 for Decherd. Other funds were awarded to White County 

The RTP program provides federal funding to match local government investments for land acquisition for trails, non-routine trail maintenance, trail construction, trail rehabilitation, and trail head support facilities. 

RTP awards included $348,065 for Bolivar, $392,000 for Oneida, and $392,000 for Piperton. Other awards were given to Bedford County, the Great Smoky Mountains Institute Tennessee Division of Natural Areas, Cumberland Mountain State Park, and Johnsonville State Historic Area. 

“Local parks are an important aspect of outdoor recreation, and we are glad these grants will help communities across the state,” said Greer Tidwell, deputy commissioner of Conservation for the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation. “This makes parks affordable for local governments, and we look forward to the results of this assistance.”  

 “We are grateful for the opportunity to partner with our local communities to help enhance enjoyment of the great outdoors,” said Brian Clifford, director of the Office of Outdoor Recreation. “These projects will directly improve health and strengthen economies, helping Tennessee thrive through parks and outdoor recreation.”