Summer Local Living 2023

Local Living Summer 2023— 13 G rundy County officially opened Ten- nessee’s first city owned Off Highway Vehicle Park in March. The park has been in operation for several years and has run on donations. The 1300+ acre park is sit- uated in Coalmont atop the Cumberland Plateau. With over 30 miles of trails of varying difficulties and multiple types of off highway vehicles, the park is a popular attraction for off road enthusiasts from all over the southeast. The park has recently added primitive campsites, RV campsites with electric and water hook ups, a pavilion, and a bath- house to accommodate those who wish to stay onsite. Funding for the park was secured under a grant through the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation. With this grant the OHV board was able to pro- cure large tracts of pristine woodlands to convert to a dedicated off-road park. In 2011 the City of Coalmont ap- plied for a Recreational Trails Program (RTP) grant to purchase property for an off-highway vehicle (OHV) park. In June 2017 the city purchased 1,347 acres of property for this purpose. In November 2018 the city was awarded an RTP grant for construction of the OHV area, plans were drafted, and on November 5, 2019, the State of Tennessee approved the plans and authorized the city to start construc- tion. This was the first time a Tennessee local government had applied for and received RTP funds to build an OHV area. The RTP grant was an 80%/20% cost-share grant. Part of the cost share was provided by in kind labor by volun- teers from the OHV community. With the help of many volunteers, trail heads were cleared, primitive campsites and trails were built and mapped. “The majority of the work on the park has come from volunteers,” Coalmont Mayor Tom Meeks said. “We are grateful for all the help we’ve had. We couldn’t do it without volunteers.” For more information on Coalmont OHV visit coalmontohvpark.com Coalmont OHV first park of its kind in Tennessee STROOP’S ACCURATE REFRIGERATION, INC. The Name You Can Trust Serving Middle Tennessee for over 40 Years! RESIDENTIAL • COMMERCIAL • TVADEALER Terry Stroop, Owner ‡ : /LQFROQ 6WUHHW 931-455-7359 Cell 931-247-1577 Genie Rogers 510 COUNTRY CLUB DR. TULLAHOMA, TN, 37388 K & S Awards Stamps, Gifts, Trophies & Awards