TDEC Announces $968,000 in Parks and Recreation Planning Grants

Friday, October 24, 2025 | 01:25pm

The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) today announced $968,000 in grants from the Local Parks and Recreation Fund (LPRF) for parks and recreation planning for 18 communities across the state.

The Planning Grant Program provides state funding to match local government investments for communities who want to create or update a Parks and Recreation Systemwide Plan. This is an 80 percent state and 20 percent community matching grant.

“We appreciate all the communities who have gone through the process to receive these grants,” said Greer Tidwell, deputy director of Conservation for TDEC. “The investments will improve quality of life throughout our state. We look forward to seeing the plans that come from this assistance.”

“Outdoor spaces are at the heart of Tennessee communities,” said Brian Clifford, director of the Office of Outdoor Recreation. “With these grants, we’re helping local leaders plan for parks that inspire healthier lives, stronger economies, and lasting connections to our state’s natural beauty.”

The grants announced today are as follows:

AwardeeCountyAmount
Bristol, City ofSullivan$48,000
Cannon CountyCannon$48,000
Crockett CountyCrockett$72,000
Dayton, City ofRhea$48,000
Decatur CountyDecatur$64,000
Decherd, City ofFranklin$48,000
DeKalb CountyDeKalb$64,000
Dresden, City ofWeakley$48,000
Dyer CountyDyer$48,000
Etowah, City ofMcMinn$48,000
Gibson CountyGibson$72,000
Grundy CountyGrundy$48,000
Jefferson City, City ofJefferson$48,000
Lauderdale CountyLauderdale$72,000
Milan, City ofGibson$48,000
Morristown, City ofHamblen$48,000
Scott CountyScott$48,000
Sparta, City ofWhite$48,000