Bredesen Announces Parks And Recreation Grants

Nashville, Tenn. – Governor Phil Bredesen and Environment and Conservation Commissioner Jim Fyke have announced the recipients of two Tennessee Recreation Initiative Program grants.  The TRIP grant awards for the cities of Medina in Gibson County and South Pittsburg in Marion County will help each of those local communities establish parks and recreation departments and hire a professional parks and recreation director.

“Creating places in our communities where people can enjoy our state’s scenic landscapes and take part in sports and recreational activities increases the quality of life for all Tennesseans,” said Bredesen.  “I’m pleased we can provide funding through this grant program to help these communities enhance local parks and recreation opportunities for their citizens.”

The city of Medina will receive $50,000 to start its parks and recreation department.  The development of the department will allow Medina to renovate existing parks facilities and develop a new softball/baseball complex with walking trails and a playground.

“This is an important grant program because it helps local governments provide access to things like ball fields and walking trails in their own communities,” said State Senator Lowe Finney.  “The city of Medina has experienced tremendous growth in recent years and this grant will further contribute to the quality of life of the residents there.”

The city of South Pittsburg will also receive $50,000.  The development of South Pittsburg’s parks and recreation department will allow the city to provide expanded recreational programs and events and promote continued improvements to parks facilities.

“This is great news for South Pittsburg, and this grant will make sure the city’s parks and recreation department gets off to a strong start,” said State Representative Bill Harmon.

Each grant covers a three-year term, providing $25,000 in each of the first two years.  The local governments will match their grants in the first two years, then take over the entire cost of the program in the third year.

The Tennessee Recreation Initiative Program was created in 1995 by the General Assembly.  TRIP grants are administered through the Department of Environment and Conservation and provide funding to governments that do not currently have parks and recreation services within their jurisdictions.  Any incorporated city or county government may apply for funding through a competitive matching grant process.

“Approximately 30 percent of Tennesseans are not currently served by an organized local parks and recreation program,” said Fyke.  “So I am always pleased to see communities access this program to help provide parks amenities for their citizens.”

For more information about parks, recreation and trails grants administered by the Department of Environment and Conservation, visit: http://www.state.tn.us/environment/recreation/grants.shtml.