Sumner County Parks Receive Major Boost with State Grants

Sumner County is set to enhance its recreational facilities, thanks to substantial grants awarded by the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation's (TDEC) Office of Outdoor Recreation.

Hendersonville has been granted $3,380,000 for the development of Heritage Park. This funding will facilitate the construction of pavilions, trails, an event barn, a welcome center, parking facilities, and a nature playground, aiming to provide residents with diverse recreational opportunities.

In White House, the Municipal Park is set to undergo significant upgrades, supported by a $539,500 grant. Planned improvements include the construction of a parking lot for the dog park, renovation of the concession stand at the baseball/softball quad, development of a storage and meeting room building, installation of a shade structure, enhancement of tennis courts, and the addition of various site amenities throughout the park.

These grants are part of TDEC's Local Parks and Recreation Fund (LPRF) program, which provides state funding to match local government investments in recreation projects and land acquisitions for parks, natural areas, greenways, and recreational facilities. All funded projects must be situated on publicly owned land.

Brian Clifford, director of the Office of Outdoor Recreation, emphasized the importance of these grants, stating, "The LPRF program is a critical resource that the Office of Outdoor Recreation manages to help expand access to recreational opportunities in our local communities."

Greer Tidwell, deputy commissioner for the Bureau of Conservation at TDEC, added, "Communities across the state need resources to provide Tennesseans with excellent recreational opportunities, and these grants support those projects."

Residents of Sumner County can look forward to these enhancements, which aim to improve the quality of life, health, and economy in the area through improved parks and outdoor recreation facilities.