The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation’s Office of Outdoor Recreation has awarded over $22 million in grants through three programs—the Local Parks and Recreation Fund (LPRF), Tennessee Recreation Initiative Program (TRIP), and Recreational Trails Program (RTP)—to support 31 communities statewide. These grants fund a wide range of projects including park facility improvements, trail construction and rehabilitation, ADA-compliant upgrades, and the establishment of new Parks and Recreation Departments in underserved areas. The funding aims to enhance outdoor recreation access, promote health, and stimulate local economies by improving public parks, natural areas, and recreational infrastructure.
Notable projects include large-scale developments such as Hendersonville’s multi-park renovations, Lafollette’s new sports complex, and Williamson County’s expansion of College Grove Park and Wilkins Branch Mountain Bike Park. Smaller communities also benefit with upgrades like inclusive playgrounds in Johnson City, trail improvements in Bolivar, and new pickleball courts in White House. The grants emphasize accessibility and community engagement, with many projects incorporating ADA-compliant features and new recreational amenities to serve diverse populations across Tennessee.
