The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) will host three workshops across the state in the coming weeks to assist communities interested in parks and recreation grant applications with the department. The one closest to Murfreesboro will be held in Shelbyville, TN.

The 2020 grant cycle has been announced for the Local Parks and Recreation Fund, the Land and Water Conservation Fund, and the Recreational Trails Program.

"These grant programs promote quality of life and economic activity for communities across our great state," Jim Bryson, deputy commissioner of Parks and Conservation for TDEC, said. "We provide grants to fund local improvements, and we want to assist local leaders with the application process by holding these valuable workshops."

TDEC's Division of Recreation Educational Services will host the workshops in Jackson on March 24, Farragut on March 25, and Shelbyville on April 1 to help communities in the grant application process.

• Local Parks and Recreation Fund (LPRF) grants provide state funding to local government agencies for the purchase of land for parks, natural areas, greenways and land for recreational facilities. Funds also may be used for trail development and capital projects in parks, natural areas and greenways.

• Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) grants provide matching grants to local and state government agencies for the acquisition and development of public outdoor recreation areas and facilities.

• Recreational Trails Program (RTP) grants provide matching grants to state, local, and federal government agencies as well as 501c3 organizations as long as the land developed is publicly owned. RTP funds may be used for trail development, trail head support facilities, acquisition of land for recreational trails or corridors, non-routine maintenance and restoration of existing trails.

Those interested in applying for the 2020 grant cycle are encouraged to attend a workshop, as grant application criteria has changed and applications will be accepted via the TDEC Grant Management System only.

To guarantee a seat, those interested should register individually for the grant application workshop they will attend or contact Hannah Smith at 615-532-0752.

Shelbyville Location for Meeting:

Wednesday, April 1
10 a.m.-1:30 p.m. CST
Shelbyville Recreation Center
220 Tulip Tree Rd., Shelbyville

Space is limited to the first 90 registrations.

Register individually at: https://tnstateparks.com/events/details/#/?event=res-2020-grant-funds-workshop-3

For more information, visit: https://www.tn.gov/environment/program-areas/res-recreation-educational-services/res-recreation-educational-services-grants0.html