(SMYRNA, TN) The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) today announced a $500,000 parks and recreation grant for the Town of Smyrna for tennis and pickleball courts.
This grant is part $6,370,000 that was awarded to communities across the state through the Local Parks and Recreation Funds (LPRF) and the Land and Water Conservation Funds (LWCF). The Recreation Trails Program (RTP), also provides $448,000 in grants.
“Local leaders need resources to provide recreational activities for their communities, and this is a way to help make it happen,” TDEC Deputy Commissioner Jim Bryson said. “We are pleased to announce these grants and look forward to the recreation projects that result from this assistance.”
Six tennis courts and six pickleball courts are required for the project in Smyrna. There is also an ADA accessible route from existing parking lots, ADA compliant parking spaces, a fence, signage, and a walkway.
“I am excited for the Town of Smyrna to receive these funds to build tennis and pickleball courts, said Sen. Dawn White (R-Murfreesboro). “These facilities will bring the community together and promote healthy outdoor activities for citizens to enjoy. I look forward to the completion of these courts and I appreciate the hard work of local officials who were instrumental in securing these funds.”
“This is an exciting investment that will enhance our parks here in Smyrna,” said Rep Mike Sparks, R-Smyrna. “Not only will this grant provide more opportunities for recreational activity in our community, but it will also ensure that they are accessible to everyone. “I appreciate all of those who worked hard to secure these funds, including Smyrna Parks Director Mike Moss, Kay Arnold, Mayor Mary Esther Reed and members of the town council. I look forward to the opening of these new courts.”
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The LPRF program provides funding for the acquisition of land for parks and other recreational purposes. LPRF funds may also be used for trail development or capital projects in parks, natural spaces, and greenways. The LWCF program gives grants to states for administering to local governments and state governments. It is used to develop and acquire public outdoor recreation facilities and areas. The grants are subject to a 50% match.
The RTP is a federally-funded, state-managed grant program that provides funds for land acquisition, trail maintenance, trail rehabilitation, trail construction, and trail head support facilities. These grants come in the form an 80-percent grant and a match of 20 percent.
