McMinn County Receives Multiple Grants to Improve Parks Facilities

Various entities around McMinn County, Tennessee, have received grants to improve their parks and recreation facilities. Applications for these grants were developed and submitted in the past year but were just recently approved.

“Improving local parks and supporting the natural resources of McMinn County is beneficial in multiple ways,” says Lindsey Ferguson, Executive Director of the McMinn County Economic Development Authority (EDA). “It raises the quality of life for residents, making our region a desirable place to live, while also attracting tourists and boosting that part of the economy.”

Here are some of the grants different groups within McMinn County received and how they will be used to improve park facilities.   

Bicentennial Park Receives A Grant to Enhance All-Weather Use

Bicentennial Park received a combined $1,200,000 from a Community Development Block Grant and a Local Parks and Recreation Fund. These funds will be used to develop structures that allow the park to be used in all kinds of weather. Shade structures will make it safer for families during the hot summer months, while safety structures protect all park users during severe storms.

Additionally, the grants will allow McMinn County to complete the turf installation on Fields 2 and 3, increasing their durability. Bicentennial Park is a key location for various sports tournaments, and the use of turf will keep the fields in top condition no matter how often they are used.

“The McMinn County Bicentennial Park is an incredible asset to our community,” says Assistant House Majority Leader Mark Cochran. “These improvements will further enhance the park and the great recreational opportunities that it offers. I congratulate the county on receiving this grant, and I look forward to these upgrades being completed.”

McMinn County Forest Receives ARC Grant for Recreational Development

The McMinn County Forest will be able to launch its Master Use Plan to improve its 280 acres for recreational use. The primary goals will be to develop water access for canoes and kayaks and to build a recreational and competitive shooting sports facility. The County Commission has already discussed the viability of a clay pigeon shooting facility and the potential benefits of adding it to the county forest.

“We are designing parks that residents want to use based on their feedback,” says Ferguson. “The forest is a beautiful asset to McMinn County that we want people to enjoy.”

The City of Calhoun Receives a Grant to Develop the Hiwassee River

The City of Calhoun in McMinn County is also investing heavily in parks and recreation-based economic development. It received a $66,500 Tourism Enhancement Grant from the State of Tennessee to develop the Hiwassee River for great paddling, canoeing, and fishing opportunities. Here is what was originally requested in the grant:

• A new 35-foot fishing dock
• A new 20-foot dock with a 10-foot floating gangway with a kayak launch
• Two shade structures
• Picnic tables
• Additional parking
• Security cameras
• Lighting
• Clearing brush to add additional river access

The City of Calhoun also wanted to create a new bluff view area with benches, a small walking trail, and a picnic area. However, because the City did not receive its full grant request, it may need to modify its improvement plans or seek other forms of funding. Regardless of any potential changes to the plan, these upgrades will make the Blueway easier to access and more enjoyable for anyone who uses its resources.

McMinn County Parks Are Only Getting Better  

These grant awards reflect McMinn County’s commitment to creating better natural resources and investing in the economic value they provide. People of all ages and backgrounds can benefit from the improvements resulting from the grant funds. Kids can play on the turf at Bicentennial Park, while families can enjoy the trails of the McMinn County Forest or the improved Blueway on the Hiwassee River. The park system is already an asset to McMinn County and the local greenery is only going to get better.

Discover other ways the McMinn County EDA is improving residents' quality of life while boosting tourism income. With strong Tennessee support, anyone can Make it in McMinn.