Lt. Governor Ron Ramsey, State Senator Rusty Crowe, Representative John Holsclaw and Representative Timothy Hill announced Tuesday that Elizabethton will receive a major Local Park and Recreation Fund (LPRF) grant from the Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC). The $100,000 grant, with a 50/50 match, for the City of Elizabethton will be used to construct a splash pad at Franklin Pool to replace an aging children’s pool at the site.
TDEC Commissioner Bob Martineau and Gov. Bill Haslam announced early August that a series of grants totaling over $17 million would be unraveled to various cities and towns across the state in the coming months – including Elizabethton.
“We appreciate the consideration by Gov. Bill Haslam and TDEC for allowing us to receive this opportunity,” City Parks and Recreation Director Mike Mains told the Elizabethton Star following August’s announcement. “Our baby pool facility was very much outdated. With the pump system, mechanical issues … we were looking at a way to make things safer and more cost efficient.”
Along with the help from local and state government, Mains also credited City Planning and Development Director Jon Hartman and Lance Lowery with the First Tennessee Development District for helping secure the grant and working through the application process.
The lawmakers said the move is expected to improve safety and maintenance at the facility, as well as draw a new demographic of patrons to the city’s pool complex.  The existing full-size pool will remain.
“Our parks and pools are an important part of our communities,” said Senator Crowe.  “These funds will help improve the pool complex for families to enjoy for many years to come.  I congratulate our local officials who were instrumental in helping secure these funds.  We appreciate Governor Haslam’s and Commissioner Martineau’s attention to this project.”
Holsclaw, a native of Elizabethton, also appreciated the people that made the project possible.
“These funds will go a long way in helping make improvements to serve local citizens, as well as visitors in our area,” added Rep. Holsclaw. “We thank all of those who helped in bringing these funds home to Elizabethton.”
Rep. Hill added, “I join in congratulating the city and its leaders on this grant. This splash pad will be another arrow in the quiver to increase the quality of life in Elizabethton”
Franklin Pool is located near Sycamore Shoals State Park, the Elizabethton Linear Trail, and the Franklin Athletic Club, all popular facilities.  This will be the only splash pad in Carter County and one of only a few in Northeast Tennessee.
The Tennessee General Assembly established the LPRF grant program in 1991 to provide local governments with funds to enhance and expand outstanding recreational projects such as parks, community centers, ball fields and playgrounds. The grants are administered through the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC).