State Representative Clay Doggett, a Republican from Pulaski, has made an exciting announcement regarding the City of Ardmore. The city is set to receive a significant boost of $50,000 in state funding aimed at establishing its inaugural parks and recreation department, along with the hiring of a full-time director to oversee its operations.
This grant will be facilitated by the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) through the Tennessee Recreation Initiative Program (TRIP). The funding allocation was part of the state budget for the fiscal year 2025-26, which was approved by the Tennessee General Assembly earlier this year.
In his remarks, Doggett highlighted Ardmore’s deserving nature for this funding, citing the community’s strong spirit and the potential for developing recreational opportunities. He also acknowledged the efforts of local leaders who played a crucial role in securing this grant, expressing his optimism about the positive impact that the new department will have on the overall quality of life in Ardmore.
The TRIP program aims to assist municipalities that currently lack a structured parks and recreation system by providing essential resources to create comprehensive recreational programs and to hire dedicated personnel.
This year, TDEC has allocated over $22 million through various initiatives, including TRIP, the Local Parks and Recreation Fund, and the Recreational Trails Program, benefiting a total of 33 communities throughout the state.
Representative Doggett serves District 70 in the Tennessee House of Representatives, which encompasses Giles County as well as portions of Lawrence and Lincoln counties.