Fentress Wants To Build A New 33-Acre Park

Fentress County residents could spend future spring weekends in a new 33-acre park, if a state grant comes through.

The county applying for a Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation grant that could be worth up to $500,000. County commissioners purchased the 33 acres just outside Jamestown for $183,000. The cost of the land can be part of the grant, which includes a 50 percent county match.

“It would really put Fentress County on the cutting edge as far as developing something of that nature,” County Executive J. Michael Cross said. “It would show our commitment to the youth of the county, the elderly, even have activities for the disabled and our veterans.”

“Long range, it would have a major impact.”

The complex would be developed over the long-term with a parks and recreation center and numerous athletic fields, Cross said.

“We want to develop a soccer, softball, baseball complex, some walking trails,” Cross said.

Cross said he believes the facility could also increase tourism as a facility able to attract sports tournaments from across the state and region.

The walking trails would be built in such a way that they could be used by both York Institute and Clarkrange High School’s cross country programs.

County Commissioners voted last week to provide a first $42,000 cash outlay to use for matching funds. TDEC will award grants late this summer.

“We’re optimistic that we’ll be receiving that hopefully,” Cross said. “That would be a great addition to the county.”