A $64,000 grant to update Polk County’s Parks and Rec Master Plan has been awarded.
Monica Farrow announced the grant in an email to county commissioners and other officials Thursday, May 7.
The grant was obtained through the efforts of the county’s Industrial and Economic Development (IED) Board and Joint Economic Community Development Board (JECD), Farrow said.
It will now be up to the county commission whether or not to provide the necessary $16,000 match.
In announcing the grant, Farrow wrote, “These plans have to be updated every few years, and TDEC suggested that we start with a new master plan to address the missing municipalities (in the current plan) and ADA compliance. A Master Plan is needed to open the door to additional Parks and Rec grants, which will help improve city and county-owned recreational spaces.”
Addressing commissioners, Farrow continued, “I understand that county funding is limited. However, I, along with TDEC, would encourage you to consider this project, as it would be beneficial for Benton, Ducktown, Copperhill, and the entirety of Polk County. The contract will reside with the county.”
Farrow serves as chair of the JECD board and secretary/treasurer of the IED Board.