Cookeville Leisure Services Planning Cane Creek Park Expansion

Putnam County residents can get their first glimpse of preliminary plans to develop 31 acres by Cane Creek Park Tuesday.

Cookeville Leisure Services Director Rick Woods said the city wants to do a mile extension of the current walking trail to connect the recently purchased land.

“One of the things that we heard in our system wide master plan process was the desire from the public to expand those walking trails throughout the community,” Woods said. “But, this is the first opportunity for us here at Cane Creek Park.”

Woods said the plans also include more parking, new bathroom facilities and a picnic shelter. Woods said the 5:00 p.m. meeting at at city hall gives the public a chance to see the grant proposal and provide feedback.

“Show where things are located, where this property is located, where the parking would be added and where things would be located in this addition,” Woods said. “Also, to get public comment and feedback.”

Woods said the city looks to submit the TDEC grant application that would fund the project by the end of this month. Woods said the same grant was used to build the skate park, expand Dogwood Park and construct the recreation center.

“They have a one application process for three different grant programs,” Woods said. “They decide which grant program you fit into, so most likely, they will put us in the local parks and recreation fund. We have had great success with that grant process in the past.”

Woods said the maximum funds available are $500,000 that includes 50 percent city match. Woods said expanding the disc golf course and installing a playground are other future projects the city wants to achieve.

The 31 acres by Cane Creek Park was purchased by Cookeville in November of last year.