Tennessee – The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation’s Office of Outdoor Recreation announced more than $20 million in grants for parks, trails and recreation projects across 19 Tennessee communities.
The funding includes $18,490,470 through the Local Parks and Recreation Fund and another $1.76 million through the Recreational Trails Program.
The grants are intended to help communities expand outdoor recreation opportunities, develop and improve trails, acquire land and invest in parks, natural areas and other recreational facilities.
TDEC is partnering with the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development on several of the projects to make the funding more accessible to local communities.
As part of the partnership, the Grant Opportunity Fund provided $6.8 million in matching funds for this round of projects. The GO Fund is available specifically to distressed and at-risk rural communities, helping local governments meet matching requirements that could otherwise make it difficult to secure state or federal grants.
“These grants are a smart investment in Tennessee’s communities, expanding outdoor recreation opportunities while preserving the natural resources that make our state special,” TDEC Commissioner David Salyers said.
Salyers said the partnership with TNECD would allow the state to provide additional assistance to rural communities seeking to develop outdoor spaces and recreation opportunities.
The Local Parks and Recreation Fund provides state funding that matches investments made by local governments. Communities can use the money to purchase land for parks, natural areas, greenways and recreation facilities.
LPRF funding can also support trail development and capital improvement projects in parks, natural areas and greenways. The program requires communities to provide an equal match for the state funding.
The Recreational Trails Program provides a separate source of funding for trail-related projects. The federally funded program is administered by the state and supports land acquisition for trails, trail construction and rehabilitation, non-routine trail maintenance and trailhead support facilities.
Under the RTP program, grants cover 80% of the total project amount, while recipients provide a 20% match.
Together, the two funding programs are expected to support a wide range of outdoor recreation improvements throughout Tennessee.
Deputy Gov. and TNECD Commissioner Stuart C. McWhorter said the GO Fund is particularly important for communities that may not otherwise have the resources needed to participate in matching grant programs.
“These funds will create meaningful opportunities for distressed communities by providing access to resources that might otherwise be out of reach,” McWhorter said.
McWhorter also said the partnership with TDEC would help bring projects to completion while advancing Gov. Bill Lee’s focus on strengthening rural communities.
The grants come as Tennessee continues to invest in outdoor recreation as part of broader efforts to improve quality of life and support local communities.
Projects involving parks, trails and greenways can provide residents with additional places for recreation while also preserving land and expanding access to outdoor activities.
For rural communities, the funding can also provide an opportunity to make larger investments in recreational infrastructure than would otherwise be possible through local resources alone.
The $6.8 million in GO Fund matching dollars is particularly significant for distressed and at-risk rural communities because it can help them meet the required local match and move projects forward.
The latest round brings together state, federal and local resources to support recreational improvements across 19 communities, with funding available for both major park projects and trail-related improvements.
TDEC said the investments are intended not only to create additional recreation opportunities but also to preserve Tennessee’s natural resources and strengthen communities across the state.