JARRETT GOODMAN
Staff Writer
Whitwell’s Board of Mayor & Commissioners has recently approved the use of grant funds for the community’s city park under Resolution #275.
During the meeting, Vice Mayor Mike Dillon explained how the resolution allows the board the authority to utilize funds from an awarded Local Parks & Recreation Fund (LPRF) grant applied for under the Tennessee Department of Environment & Conservation (TDEC). The funds will go towards resurfacing the tennis court at Whitwell City Park and constructing a brand new basketball and pickleball court. The pickleball court is to be placed directly where the tennis court is located, while the basketball court will be installed beside it. Both the tennis and pickleball courts will also be repainted once resurfaced.
Commissioner David Hudson shared his thoughts on the grant, remarking how the new additions would significantly benefit the park by attracting more activity to it. He also added how state officials commented on the grant’s competitive nature whilst meeting with city manager Lonnie Cleek, with Cleek applying for the grant and the city earning it against other municipalities who’ve applied for the LPRF grant.
“I think its going to be a wonderful thing for the park,” said Hudson.
The board concertedly approved Resolution #275, with the funds earned going directly towards the repaving of the tennis court as well as the newest additions within Whitwell City Park.