A Grant-Ready Roadmap for Parks & Recreation

Crockett County System-Wide Parks Master Plan

Client

Crockett County

Location

Crockett Co., TN 

Expertise

Civil Engineering & Landscape Architecture, Transportation

Services

Landscape Architecture, Master Planning, Public Engagement

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With growing community interest in wellness and recreation, Crockett County has a unique opportunity to build on its existing assets and develop a more connected, accessible parks and recreation system that enhances residents’ health and quality of life. Recognizing the value of a coordinated approach, the County is committed to aligning planning, leadership, and investment to shape a stronger recreational future.

Gresham Smith partnered with local stakeholders to develop a comprehensive, system-wide parks and recreation master plan. The resulting 10-year roadmap reflects community priorities, guides strategic investments and positions the county to pursue state, federal and other grant funding—creating a strong foundation for a healthier, more connected future.

4
month assessment
300+
community participants
10
year roadmap

Understanding Community Needs

From March through July 2025, Gresham Smith planners, landscape architects and engineers evaluated Crockett County’s parks and recreation system. The team inventoried public parks, facilities and assets; analyzed demographics and geographic access; conducted stakeholder interviews and site visits; documented existing conditions; and gathered input through online engagement and a public open house.

Community engagement was a cornerstone of the planning process. The team successfully engaged residents through extensive online outreach efforts as well as a public open house while word-of-mouth also played a vital role in spreading awareness. These efforts resulted in over 300 participants contributing valuable feedback that directly shaped the plan’s outcomes and ensuring final recommendations that truly reflected the community’s perspectives and aspirations. 

Addressing Barriers to Access

The project’s findings revealed that Crockett County offers a variety of recreational programs; however, significant barriers remain. Limited land for parks and trails, insufficient staffing, constrained budgets, and lack of transportation restrict access for many residents, particularly given the county’s socio-economic profile. The unequal distribution of facilities means that residents cannot easily travel outside their immediate area, limiting opportunities for active recreation. While existing parks boast notable strengths, there is a clear need to improve maintenance, expand accessibility following ADA standards, and enhance pedestrian connectivity to create a more inclusive environment. 

A Shared Vision

Guided by community input and the system-wide analysis, the master plan establishes five strategic priorities to shape the next decade of parks and recreation in Crockett County:

  1. Preserve and enhance existing parks and natural areas to support environmental stewardship and long-term sustainability.
  2. Develop new facilities and amenities that expand opportunities for active and passive recreation.
  3. Broaden recreational programming to serve diverse populations and encourage lifelong participation.
  4. Strengthen community partnerships and cultivate shared responsibility for parks and recreation.
  5. Establish countywide leadership to improve coordination, streamline operations and support continued program development.

Together, these priorities provide more than a roadmap—they articulate a shared vision for Crockett County. By building on existing strengths, investing strategically and working collaboratively, the county can create a parks and recreation system that connects communities, supports healthier lifestyles and enriches quality of life for generations to come.