The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation’s Office of Outdoor Recreation has awarded over $22 million in grants through the Local Parks and Recreation Fund (LPRF), Tennessee Recreation Initiative Program (TRIP), and Recreational Trails Program (RTP) to support 31 communities statewide. These grants aim to enhance parks, trails, and recreational facilities by funding projects such as land acquisition, trail construction and rehabilitation, ADA-compliant upgrades, and the establishment of new Parks and Recreation Departments in underserved areas. The programs emphasize public land use and aim to improve accessibility, inclusivity, and outdoor recreation infrastructure.
Grant recipients include a diverse range of projects, from inclusive playgrounds and ADA-compliant pathways to trail expansions and new sports complexes. Notable initiatives include the development of pickleball courts, trail rehabilitations in state parks, and the creation of new recreational facilities like the LaFollette Sports Complex and expansions in Williamson County parks. Officials highlight that these investments will promote health, strengthen local economies, and make outdoor recreation more affordable and accessible across Tennessee.
