NASHVILLE, Tenn. – State Rep. Kirk Haston, R-Lobelville, announced $1,258,499.50 in state funding has been awarded to Decatur County and the City of Parsons for recreation and community improvements.
The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) will administer the funding through the Local Parks and Recreation Fund (LPRF) and the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development (TNECD) Grant Opportunity Fund (GO Fund), both of which were approved by the General Assembly in the 2026-27 state budget.
“These awards are about creating places where our communities can come together, make memories and enjoy the things that make this area special,” Haston said. “From creating new opportunities for families to enjoy the fairgrounds to creating a dedicated place to remember and honor those who have served our country, I’m excited to see these projects come to life.”
Decatur County was awarded $861,749.50 for various upgrades at the Decatur County Fairgrounds.
Proposed improvements include upgrades to the pond, a new fishing pier, additional parking areas, lighting and ADA accessibility improvements. The project will also add new bleachers for the Agri-plex building and outdoor cooking and seating areas with pavilions, picnic tables and an asphalt walking trail.
The City of Parsons was awarded $396,750 to create a memorial park next to the Parsons Municipal Building and Library. The park will include a stone memorial wall with flags representing the different military branches, along with a pavilion, walking loop and benches.
LPRF provides state funding to match local government investments for recreation projects and the purchase of land for parks, natural areas, greenways and recreational facilities. The GO Fund supports rural communities by providing grants to cover a portion of the local match requirements for larger grant programs.
For more information on the LPRF program and how to apply, visit the Office of Outdoor Recreation website at https://www.tn.gov/environment/outdoorrec.html.
Kirk Haston represents District 72 in the Tennessee House of Representatives which includes Chester, Decatur, Perry and parts of Hardin and Henderson counties.
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