TDEC Announces $20 Million in Local Parks and Recreation Fund and Recreational Trails Program grants
Partnership with Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development helps make funds accessible for rural communitiesThe Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation’s (TDEC) Office of Outdoor Recreation today announced $18,490,470 in grants from the Local Parks and Recreation Fund and $1,760,000 from the Recreational Trails Program for parks and recreation for 19 communities across Tennessee.
The Office of Outdoor Recreation is partnering with the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development (TNECD) on several projects to make the funding accessible for local communities by providing a portion of the match through the Grant Opportunity Fund (GO Fund).
For this round of projects, GO Fund, which is only accessible to distressed and at-risk rural communities, awarded $6.8 million in matching dollars.
The Local Parks and Recreation Fund (LPRF) provides state funding to match local government investments for communities for the purchase of lands for parks, natural areas, greenways, and recreation facilities. The funds may also be used for trail development and capital projects in parks, natural areas, and greenways. This grant requires an equal match of funds.
The Recreational Trails Program (RTP) is a federally funded, state administered grant program that provides grant funding for land acquisition for trails, non-routine trail maintenance, trail construction, trail rehabilitation and for trail head support facilities. The funds are distributed in the form of an 80 percent grant with a 20 percent match based on the total project amount.
“These grants are a smart investment in Tennessee’s communities, expanding outdoor recreation opportunities while preserving the natural resources that make our state special,” said TDEC Commissioner David Salyers. “By partnering with the Department of Economic and Community Development, we can better assist our rural communities and help them create outdoor spaces that will make a real difference in people’s daily lives.”
“These funds will create meaningful opportunities for distressed communities by providing access to resources that might otherwise be out of reach,” said Deputy Gov. and TNECD Commissioner Stuart C. McWhorter. “We are grateful to partner with TDEC in helping bring these projects to fruition and furthering Gov. Bill Lee’s commitment to investing in and strengthening rural Tennessee.”
Grants Announced Today
| Organization | County | Awarded Type | Project Title | Total Funds Requested |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| City of Bolivar | Hardeman | LPRF and GO Fund | 2026 City of Bolivar, Bolivar Community Center New Indoor Pool Development | $3,500,000.00 |
| City of Calhoun | McMinn | RTP | Calhoun Blueway Enhancement and Trail Project | $490,000.00 |
| Decatur County | Decatur | LPRF and GO Fund | 2026 Decatur County, Decatur County Fairgrounds Improvement project | $861,749.50 |
| City of Dunlap | Sequatchie | RTP and GO Fund | Dunlap Pump Track Park | $525,000.00 |
| Town of Erwin | Unicoi | LPRF and GO Fund | Town of Erwin River Landing | $392,000.00 |
| Haywood County | Haywood | LPRF and GO Fund | 2026 Haywood County Sugar Creek Trail Extension | $525,000.00 |
| City of Knoxville | Knox | LPRF | Tennessee RiverLine McWherter Park and Suttree Landing Park Improvements | $746,730.00 |
| City of Knoxville | Knox | RTP | Holston River Park Bike Skills Course | $400,000.00 |
| City of McMinnville | Warren | RTP | 2026 McMinnville Bigbee River Trail and Linear Parks Connectivity and Improvements | $100,000.00 |
| City of Milan | Gibson | RTP | 2026 City of Milan McKellar Park Restrooms | $391,092.00 |
| Town of Mount Carmel | Hawkins | LPRF and GO Fund | 2026 Mount Carmel Park Sports Areas and Splashpad | $1,500,000.00 |
| City of New Market | Jefferson | LPRF | 2026 New Market Playground and Archery Center Project | $1,046,225.00 |
| City of Newport | Cocke | LPRF and GO Fund | 2026 Newport Woodland Phase 1 and White Oak Redevelopment | $3,500,000.00 |
| City of Parsons | Decatur | LPRF and GO Fund | 2026 City of Parsons Memorial Park Project | $396,750.00 |
| City of Savannah | Hardin | LPRF and GO Fund | 2026 City of Savannah Savannah Sportsplex Improvements | $2,759,568.75 |
| City of Selmer | McNairy | LPRF and GO Fund | 2026 City of Selmer Selmer City Park Pool Renovation/Replacement | $450,000.00 |
| Town of Stanton | Haywood | LPRF and GO Fund | 2026 Town of Stanton New City Park Development | $562,446.75 |
| City of Sunbright | Morgan | RTP | 2026 City of Sunbright, Sunbright City Park, Development of Recreation Trail | $92,000.00 |
| Unicoi County | Unicoi | LPRF and GO Fund | Lower Nolichucky River Takeout | $2,250,000.00 |