Sparta Receives Rotary Grant for Entrance Signs

The City of Sparta has received a $14,000 National Rotary Greenways Grant.

Sparta Mayor Jeff Young said the grant will pay for the construction of two entrance signs.

“We are looking at several different types of layouts, whether its brick or stone or fieldstone, whatever it might be,” Young said. “But the goal is to have some kind of big welcoming sign saying ‘Welcome to Sparta’ as you come into town. And we are wanting to light it so that it is noticeable day and night.”

Young said the Sparta Rotary Club will provide any additional costs for the signs.

“This will be a great entrance and welcoming sign coming into our community,” Young said. “Coming from the Northside toward Cookeville and the Southside toward Van Buren County.”

Young said the club proposed the project to the Board of Aldermen and Mayor last year.

“They care about our community and they do everything they can to help promote Sparta and our well-being,” Young said. “Mrs. Donna Fare and several of the other members of the Rotary Club have been working on this for probably about three years now.”

Young said the city will continue discussions over design in the coming weeks.