Smyrna to back $3 million local match for Rotary Soccer Park TDEC grant application

Town staff asked the council to adopt a resolution supporting an application to the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation for a Local Parks and Recreation Fund grant to renovate Rotary Soccer Park. The project concept includes new turf for two grass fields, sports lighting upgrades, parking expansion, playground shade structures, ADA bleachers, a press box and improved pathways.

If awarded, the state would provide half the funding for a projected $6,000,000 project and the town would commit $3,000,000 as the local match. Staff emphasized that the initial letter of intent should outline estimated improvements and that exact items could be tweaked later in design if the funding award is made.

Dennis (parks/rec) and other staff announced two public input sessions on March 3 (5:30 p.m. at Rotary Soccer Park) and March 17 (6:30 p.m. at the Outdoor Adventure Center). “If we’re awarded this grant, it would reflect a commitment on the town to move forward with where we are today with the design,” staff said, and asked the council to indicate support in the resolution.

Next steps: Council will place the resolution on the upcoming agenda. Staff will hold the public input meetings and refine the scope if the town advances to the construction phase of the project.