Four West Tennessee counties receive parks and recreation grants

JACKSON, Tenn. – At least four counties in western Tennessee are making new improvements to existing parks thanks to funding approved by the state.

From promoting healthy physical activity to economic development, parks provide a place of enjoyment for people of all ages and abilities.

In Madison, Gibson, Hardin and McNairy counties, there will be future improvements to existing parks and some new parks will be built.

This is part of the state's Office of Outdoor Recreation's announcement of more than $21 million in grants to 27 communities across the state.

In Madison County, more than $900,000 will go from the state to five different parks.

Parking lots and driveways will be paved at the Bourne, Pope and Godwin intersections to improve traffic flow and provide handicapped access.

The grant will also fund a new paddling pool and activity building at Bourne Park.

Residents can also look forward to a brand new park in Madison County.

“It will be located on Saint Johns Road in Denmark. We will develop about 10 to 15 acres of it. Plans include an ADA accessible playground, parking lot, security system, lighting, gazebo and restrooms,” said Matthew Martin, executive director of Madison County Parks.

In Gibson County, Milan City Park will receive $375,000 in grants to improve its ballfield and more than $550,000 to upgrade Shady Acres Park in Trenton.

In Hardin and McNairy counties, residents can expand the playground in Saltillo's city park, which is being modernized.

And the City of Selmer was awarded more than $350,000 for park improvements.

“We have to thank our county commissioners for giving us the money to apply for the grant in the first place. And now that we have it, we're going to hit the ground running and do a lot more, and we really hope the community gives us feedback on what we're doing,” Martin said.

Martin added that grant projects like this are the result of two public hearings in which citizens spoke about what they wanted for the community.

Local Parks and Recreation Fund grants through the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation provide state funds to supplement local investments in recreation projects.

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