Decatur County Extension, in collaboration with Decatur County Civic Center, was awarded Tennessee Department of Health PSE seed grant funding to support enhancements at the Decatur County Civic Center. The award funded the purchase of four 4-foot benches installed along the Civic Center walking trail.

The project builds on priorities identified during the TDH Active Living Workshop, which emphasized the importance of creating spaces that support active lifestyles.

This initiative is part of the broader Decatur County Civic Center Enhancement Project, which aims to position the Civic Center as a hub for community health and wellness. Future plans include seeking additional grants to add a demonstration kitchen, community gardens, playground and stationary workout equipment, water bottle refill stations, and educational benches.

The photo features Jenny Smith, Decatur County Director and FCS Agent (center), along with Katy Middleton, Decatur County 4-H Agent, and Stacy Gurley, Decatur County Parks and Recreation Director, both active committee members.

TDOT Transportation Planning Grant
Application Deadline: October 15, 2025 

GameTime Community Champions Playground Grant
Application Deadline: October 17, 2025 

USDA’s Farm to School Grant
Application Deadline: December 5, 2025 
*Informational Webinar: October 1, 2025, at 2:00 PM EST- agenda: review RFA, including the grant objective, eligibility criteria, and application requirements.

Importance of Community Partnerships

The High Obesity Program is made possible with funding from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The views expressed in this newsletter do not necessarily reflect the official policies of the CDC or imply endorsement by the U.S. Government. Learn more about the High Obesity Program (HOP) program at https://www.cdc.gov/dnpao-state-local-programs/php/about/.