The funding comes from the offices Recreational Trails Program, according to a Monday press release.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — Eight communities will receive grant funding for trails, trail maintenance and more from Tennessee’s Office of Outdoor Recreation.
On Monday, the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) announced that just over $2.6 million in grant funding from the Recreational Trails Program (RTP) would be dispersed throughout the state. That program matches local governments’ investment in trail construction, trailhead support facilities, trail rehabilitation and more.
“The RTP program is a critical resource to help expand access to outdoor recreational opportunities in our local communities,” Office of Outdoor Recreation director, Brian Clifford, said in a Monday press release. “We’re excited to support the development and improvement of local trails.”
AwardeeCountyAmountProjectAccess FundMarion$196,975The Foster Falls Stewardship Initiative includes trail building, developing climbing areas, restoring existing access paths, creation of staging areas to include stone retaining walls and stairs, and creation of a “passing trail.”City of CrossvilleCumberland$392,000The city will develop a trailhead facility where Soldier’s Trail and North Trail begin with ADA compliant restrooms, an informational kiosk, and support accessories such as bike racks, a drinking/filling fountain, and a dog watering station. ADA compliant parking and crosswalk with pedestrian signalization will be included across the main park entrance road connecting to an existing parking lot.Doe Mountain Recreation AuthorityJohnson$392,000The grant will be used for construction of off-highway vehicle trails and a hiking/biking/moto trail. The project includes construction of primary signage for the Adventure Center and secondary signage for three trailheads.
A map update to include new trails will be added to the system.Grainger CountyGrainger$392,000An ADA compliant asphalt trail will be constructed at the Grainger County Park through an undeveloped wooded area along the lake. There will be ADA parking at the trailhead, and bollards and signage.City of HendersonvilleSumner$392,000Veterans Park Pump Track: A pump track, a paved track with hills and berms for cycling, will be installed with ADA sidewalk and ADA parking.City of JacksonMadison$392,000A phased boardwalk replacement project at Cypress Grove Nature Park will replace approximately 1,300 lf. of boardwalk as well as ADA parking and lot improvements.Town of JonesboroughWashington$392,000Lost State Scenic Walkway Expansion: Development of a paved walkway system with two pedestrian bridges to connect parks and residential areas will be developed. The trail will run from Mill Spring Park to Stage Road Park. The bridges will provide access over Little Limestone Creek.Town of Oliver SpringsRoane$60,400Arrowhead Park Improvements: An asphalt overlay of the walking trail, as well as drainage upgrades, will keep the trail usable and safe.
“Trails are a fun way cities and counties help improve their quality of life, health, and economy,” deputy commissioner for TDEC’s Bureau of Conservation, Greer Tidwell, said in a Monday press release. “These funds will help our local communities do more with their outdoor spaces.”
For more information on grants through TDEC, click here.