Subcommittee forwards bill letting TDEC make private agreements for projects at Cumberland Mountain State Park On an 8-0 vote the Department and Agency Subcommittee advanced House Bill 0338, sponsored by Chairman Crawford, which authorizes the TDEC commissioner to enter agreements with private entities for development, construction and operation of facilities and to oversee construction projects at Cumberland Mountain State Park; an amendment (016756) was added.

A key vote has propelled House Bill 0338 forward, granting TDEC the power to partner with private entities for exciting new developments at Cumberland Mountain State Park!

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Family of Dr. Alyssa Lockett urges committee to pass safety-planning bill for parks and greenways Family members of Dr. Alyssa Lockett and sponsor Sen. Yarbrough urged passage of the Alyssa Lockett Safety Act to require park and greenway safety planning after Lockett’s murder; the committee voted unanimously to send the bill to finance.

The tragic murder of Dr. Alyssa Lockett has sparked a movement for stronger safety measures in Tennessee's parks and greenways, urging lawmakers to act decisively.

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Parks director details storm recovery, staffing shortfalls and facility closures ahead of spring season Director Odom reported that tree damage from a recent ice storm has forced temporary closures of several golf courses and community center gyms, described staffing shortfalls (953 of 1,395 positions filled) and said FY26 operating budget requests focus on operational needs including additional tree crews and skilled trades.

Metro Parks is battling the aftermath of a winter ice storm, with significant tree damage and closures affecting popular sites like Percy Warner Park and local golf courses.

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Parks board approves multiple grants, easements and property actions; nominations deferred to April The Metropolitan Board of Parks and Recreation approved several consent and grant items — including grant increases for Watkins Park and Centennial Park, a monument ownership transfer, grant amendments and in‑kind gifts — and deferred officer nominations and a conservation easement to committee review.

Big changes are coming to Nashville's parks, with major grant increases and new projects approved—what does this mean for the community?

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Cheekwood outlines $35 million parking pavilion and welcome plaza in quarterly update Jane McLeod, president of Cheekwood, told the Metropolitan Board of Parks and Recreation that construction documents are complete for a $35 million parking pavilion and welcome plaza; Cheekwood has a Truist loan commitment expected to close mid‑March and aims to open the pavilion ahead of the 2027 holiday lights season.

Cheekwood is set to transform its landscape with a stunning $35 million parking pavilion and welcome plaza, aiming for a grand opening just in time for the 2027 holiday season!

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TDEC tells Ways and Means it is reallocating stalled ARPA water funds within Tennessee, seeks park staffing from park revenues TDEC officials told the Finance, Ways and Means Committee that they are reallocating small amounts of ARPA water/wastewater funds returned by local grantees to other Tennessee projects, and outlined state parks expansions and self‑funded staffing requests tied to hospitality revenues.

TDEC reveals plans to reallocate stalled ARPA water funds and expand Tennessee state parks while seeking new staff funded by park revenues.

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Parks maintenance reports show improved pavement condition, new work-order system and $700,000 boardwalk repairs Consolidated maintenance reported onboarding a new CAL work-order system and the CPMS capital tracking system, completing 7,213 work orders since June, raising the department PCI from 64 to 77, and spending roughly $700,000 to repair the Stones River Greenway boardwalk.

Tennessee's parks maintenance is transforming with a new work-order system, a significant rise in pavement quality, and a $700,000 investment in boardwalk repairs!

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Parks announces $11.3 million state award for Opry Mills Connector Greenway; multiple greenway projects move forward Cindy Harrison reported progress on several greenway projects and said Metro was awarded $11,300,000 from the 2025 Transportation Alternatives Program to fund the Opry Mills Connector Greenway; design and permitting are advancing on other greenways and several public-private partnerships are underway.

Exciting news for Tennessee's green spaces: the Opry Mills Connector Greenway just received an $11.3 million boost, paving the way for multiple innovative projects!

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Commission approves MLK Jr. pickleball tournament, turf-field rental policy and membership promotion The Parks and Recreation Commission unanimously approved three items: an inaugural MLK Jr. indoor pickleball tournament at Patterson Park, a new rental policy and fee for the new turf baseball field on Old Fort (including limits on repeat rentals and a $120 hourly rental fee), and a buy-one-get-one membership promotion. The commission also approved

Exciting new initiatives are coming to Murfreesboro Parks and Recreation, including an inaugural MLK Jr. pickleball tournament and a buy-one-get-one membership promotion!

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MTSU and Patterson Park expand teaching partnership; pilot VR program studies healthy aging Middle Tennessee State University researchers described a multi-year teaching collaboration with Patterson Park Community Center that embeds students in program planning for youth and a separate research pilot using virtual reality (VR) to support healthy aging among older adults. Commissioners praised the partnership and offered to supply a letter

MTSU is revolutionizing healthy aging with a groundbreaking collaboration that blends student learning and virtual reality to empower both youth and older adults in the community.

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TDEC tells House committee it has streamlined permitting, pushed parks expansion and advanced brownfield cleanups Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation told the House Finance, Ways and Means Committee it has reduced permit backlogs while expanding state parks and deploying federal and state funds for water projects, brownfield cleanup and post‑storm recovery — but acknowledged multi‑year timelines remain, especially for large park rebuilds.

Tennessee's Department of Environment and Conservation is not only streamlining permit processes but also expanding parks and tackling brownfield cleanups—what’s their secret to success amid growing challenges?

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Columbia Vice Mayor McBroom proclaims July 2025 as Parks and Recreation Month McBroom emphasizes parks' role in community health, wellness, and economic prosperity.

Vice Mayor Randy McBroom champions July as Parks and Recreation Month, spotlighting how vital green spaces are for our health, community spirit, and thriving economy.

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West Tennessee State Park proposal approved to enhance riverfront recreation Committee approves plan to develop recreational opportunities along Tennessee's riverfront state park.

Tennessee is set to elevate its outdoor adventures with a new state park proposal that promises to transform the riverfront into a recreational paradise!

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Tennessee State Parks aim for 70 locations under Lee administration initiatives State parks plan to establish new parks to enhance recreational access across Tennessee.

Tennessee is on a mission to increase its state parks from 56 to 70, ensuring everyone has access to nature and recreation!

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Tennessee Assembly amends local parks funding bill for distressed counties Tennessee alters matching grant requirements for parks funding in distressed areas.

Tennessee is changing the game for parks funding by easing grant requirements in distressed areas, paving the way for revitalized green spaces!

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Commission approves Old Fort Park for new community playground site Commission recommends Old Fort Park as site for new community playground project.

Murfreesboro is set to transform Old Fort Park into a massive new community playground, promising a safer and more vibrant space for families to enjoy!

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Parks and Recreation sets 2025 pool season dates and expands late night hours Committee plans to maintain admission prices and considers pool rebuild and improvements.

Hartsville/Trousdale County's Parks and Recreation Committee is gearing up for an exciting 2025 pool season with expanded late-night hours and discussions of a potential pool rebuild!

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State Park plans year-round inn with lake views and event space Proposed new inn focuses on enhancing visitor experience with panoramic lake views.

A brand new four-story inn with stunning lake views is set to transform Tennessee's state park, promising year-round visitor engagement and luxury amenities!

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Tennessee allocates $10M for Parks modernization and ecological restoration initiatives Tennessee earmarks funding for parks, water resources, and solid waste management improvements.

Tennessee's House Bill 1409 is set to revolutionize environmental conservation and historical preservation with $10 million in funding for state parks and wildlife initiatives.

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County discusses $300K grant for Trey Park improvements at recent meeting County officials outline plans for $300K grant application for Trey Park enhancements.

Trousdale County is on the brink of a $300K transformation for Trey Park, with exciting grant opportunities just around the corner!

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City Council reviews pool fees and hours of operation for upcoming summer season Water department discusses fee increases and operational hours for pool services in upcoming season.

The Hartsville/Trousdale County Public Works Committee is considering fee hikes for local pools and addressing delays in courthouse renovations—changes that could reshape community access and services!

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