Every five years, the state of Tennessee needs to start thinking about recreation. No, not where the state government officials are going to take a vacation, but the submission of a state recreation plan.

Pushed by a federal statute, the state is forced to prepare a State Recreation Plan to identify potential issues and needs for statewide recreation.  The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation oversees the State Recreation Plan update, taking into consideration current efforts, trends and needs in recreation expansion and deployment statewide.

The TDEC is looking to get local community members involved and will hold a public meeting from 6:30-8:30 p.m., Thursday, April 9 at the Patterson Community Center to update the State’s Recreation Plan.

This plan is significant to the resident of Tennessee since it guides the development of programs and facilities statewide and affects more than 6 million people.  All local interest groups and citizens are invited to the public hearing.

Tennessee becomes eligible for continued funding through the Land and Water Conservation Fund if their plan is approved by the National Park Service. The plan includes both outdoor and indoor recreational opportunities.