Haslam Announces Parks and Recreation Grant; Awarded to Town of Atoka

NASHVILLE – Governor Bill Haslam and Environment and Conservation Commissioner Bob Martineau today announced the town of Atoka will receive a $50,000 Tennessee Recreation Initiative Program grant to help establish a full-time parks and recreation department.

 

“Creating places in our communities where people can enjoy sports and other recreational activities enhances the quality of life for all Tennesseans,” said Haslam. “I’m pleased we can provide funding through this grant program to help Atoka establish a local parks and recreation system for the benefit and enjoyment of its citizens.” 

 

The TRIP grant is offered over a three-year period.  During the first two years of the program, the community will be required to match up to $50,000, and is responsible for 100 percent of the funding during the third year.  The grant will allow the town of Atoka to create a parks and recreation department, including hiring a professional director and other staff to plan for new facilities and to establish recreation programs. 

 

The Tennessee Recreation Initiative Program was created in 1995 by the General Assembly. TRIP grants are administered through the Department of Environment and Conservation’s Recreation Educational Services Division and provide funding to governments that do not currently have parks and recreation services within their jurisdictions. Any incorporated city or county government may apply for funding through a competitive matching grant process. 

 

“Approximately 35 percent of Tennesseans are not currently served by an organized local parks and recreation program,” said Martineau. “Local governments can access this grant program to help provide outstanding parks amenities and outdoor opportunities that are so vital to a healthy community.” 

 

During this particular grant cycle, one grant was awarded on the basis of need and population for any city or county in the West Tennessee region. Grant recipients are selected through a scoring criteria process established for the Tennessee Recreation Initiative Program. 

 

For more information about parks, recreation and trails grants administered by TDEC’s Recreational Services Division, please visit www.tn.gov/environment/recreation/grants.shtml or contact Gerald Parish at (615) 532-0538 or Gerald.Parish@tn.gov. 

 

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