NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Williamson County lawmakers this week announced $3,458,100 in state funding for College Grove Park and Franklin’s Wilkins Branch Mountain Bike Park. The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) will administer the grant through the Local Parks and Recreation Fund (LPRF), which was approved by members of the Tennessee General Assembly this […]
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Williamson County lawmakers this week announced $3,458,100 in state funding for College Grove Park and Franklin’s Wilkins Branch Mountain Bike Park.
The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) will administer the grant through the Local Parks and Recreation Fund (LPRF), which was approved by members of the Tennessee General Assembly this year in the 2025-26 state budget.
“This impressive funding will enhance access to recreational opportunities for Williamson County residents and visitors,” said State Reps. Jake McCalmon and Lee Reeves, both Republicans of Franklin, Todd Warner, R-Chapel Hill, and Gino Bulso, R-Brentwood. “Expanding our parks and outdoor areas is vital as our community continues to grow. We look forward to seeing the incredible improvements that will result from these projects.”
Forty acres of undeveloped property will be added to the 7.5-acre College Grove Park, as well as lighted baseball and softball fields, pavilions, picnic tables and an ADA-accessible walking trail.
Funding will also be used to connect 81 acres of undeveloped property to the current 53-acre Wilkins Branch Mountain Bike Park. Additionally, new biking trails and a pavilion with restrooms will be constructed.
The state’s funding matches local government investments to help expand access to outdoor opportunities and improve quality of life for Tennesseans. City and county governments can receive LPRF grants for trail development and capital projects in parks, greenways and natural areas. Funds can be used to purchase land for eligible projects.
More than $22 million was administered to 33 communities across the state by TDEC through the LPRF program, the Tennessee Recreation Initiative Program (TRIP) and the Recreational Trails Program (RTP).
State Reps. Jake McCalmon of District 63, Gino Bulso of District 61, Todd Warner of District 92 and Lee Reeves of District 65 all represent part of Williamson County in the Tennessee House of Representatives.