Town gets grant for Wolf River trail | Collierville Independent

The Collierville Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts Department has received a $250,000 grant from Gov. Bill Haslam through the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation.

The Local Parks and Recreation Fund provides grants to eligible local government entities for the purchase of lands for parks, natural areas, greenways, and recreation facilities. The funds may also be used for trail development and capital projects in parks, natural areas, and greenways.

The grant will be used by Collierville Parks for phase 1 of the Wolf River Blvd. Trail project, which includes a half-mile trail.

“This provides us with funds for expansion of Collierville’s existing greenbelt system to have access to the Robins-Halle Nature Preserve and connect Wellington Ridge and Creekside, neighborhoods east of the trail,” Parks Director Chip Petersen said.

The grant application explained that the expansion will have direct pedestrian access to much needed recreational opportunities for the area; 10-foot wide asphalt trail, 10-foot wide raised boardwalk, two pedestrian bridges, an observation deck for wildlife viewing/educational opportunities, and a small trailhead with four parking spaces and trail entrance signage.

The $250,000 is a matching fund grant with the additional 50 percent funded by Collierville Capital Investments Program budget. The project is expected to begin after environmental studies are completed.

For information on Town of Collierville Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts Department, go to colliervilleparks.org.