Four West Tennessee counties receive parks and recreation grants
JACKSON, Tenn. — At least four counties in West Tennessee will see new improvements in current parks due to funding approved by the state.
From promoting healthy physical activities, to economic development, parks provide a place for people of all ages and abilities to enjoy.
Now Madison, Gibson, Hardin and McNairy counties will all see improvements in current parks and some new parks in the future.
This is part of the states Office of Outdoor Recreation announcing more than $21 million dollars in grants for 27 communities across the state.
In Madison County, more than $900 thousand dollars from the state will go to five separate parks.
Parking areas and entryways will be paved at Bourne, Pope, and Godwin to improve traffic flow and give accessibility to those with disabilities.
The grant will also fund a new splash pad and activity building at Bourne park.
Residents can also expect a brand new park in Madison County.
“It’ll be on Saint Johns Road out in Denmark. We are going to develop about 4-5 acres of it. The plans are an ADA accessible playground, parking area, security system, lights, pavilion, restroom,” said Matthew Martin, executive director for Madison County Parks.
In Gibson County, Milan City Park will receive $375 thousand dollars in funding for ballfield improvements, as well as more than $550 thousand dollars for upgrades to Shady Acres Park in Trenton.
In Hardin and McNairy counties, residents can expend the playground to be upgraded in Saltillo City Park.
And more than $350 thousand dollars was awarded to the city of Selmer for park improvements.
“We’ve got to say thank you to our county commissioners for giving us the money to even apply for the grant. And now that we’ve got it, we are going to hit the ground running and do a lot more stuff and we really hope the community gives us feedback on how we are doing,” said Martin.
Martin added grant projects like these are a result of two public input meetings where residents spoke on what they wanted to see in the community.
Grants from the local parks and recreation fund through the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation provide state funding to match local investments for recreation projects.
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