Sparta Parks And Recreation Planning Connected Outdoor Recreation

A new accessible playground and an inter-connected part among the ideas being explored in Sparta.

Mayor Jerry Lowery said recreation features could include a riverfront food truck park with a small concert area.

“We’ve got a walking trail right through town down by the river,” Lowery said. “If we can tie all that in and then tie it back cross town threw the splash pad area we’re going to have a really neat walking system. We’re excited about that as well but we just got to get it all joined together, the plans in place if  you will.”

Lowery said the accessible playground concept would be funded by a state grant. He said Sparta is in the application stage.

Lowery said the maximum award for the grant is $500,000.

“With that you’re looking at almost a $3 million project that I think that the City of Sparta and the surrounding counties and the state of Tennessee can have a spot right here in the middle of Tennessee and say that’s a pretty need place,” Lowery said.

Lowery said the city had acquired another 750 feet of river frontage. He said they are looking at fixing it up with a pavilion and picnic tables.

“This is in the works as we speak,” Lowery said. ” A food truck park if you will, where people can come here, get a food truck meal, enjoy the river and maybe eventually have some mini-concerts.”

Lowery said the last thing is to tie all of this together with a trail system.

“With the Board of Aldermen, we’re going to see if this thing works out good,” Lowery said.