Jonesborough approves application for Local Parks and Recreation Fund grant to extend First Frontier Trail connection

The Board of Mayor and Aldermen voted to approve a resolution authorizing the town to apply for a 2025 Local Parks and Recreation Fund (LPRF) grant to build trail connections that would tie Jonesborough’s trail network to Sunny Slopes (Johnson City) and to create a trailhead at the middle school.

Citizen speaker Matthew Paul urged council support for active‑transportation investments, saying trails and safe connections encourage biking and walking and would help with festival parking and healthy transportation. “I am so happy that you guys are looking at adding trail system to the new school and to Tiger Park,” Paul said during public comment, urging the board to pursue grants and park‑and‑ride and bus connections.

Mayor and aldermen described the LPRF application as a strategic step to complete a trunk network that will tie neighborhoods to downtown, the new school and Tiger Park and to recent sidewalk and trail investments. Officials credited county cooperation and said the county mayor had advocated for the project at the state level.

The resolution approved at the meeting authorizes application for LPRF funds and records the town’s intent to partner with Washington County on the project. Town officials said the grant would pay for a trail connection between Jonesborough and Sunny Slopes and a trailhead with restrooms and parking at the middle‑school site; a bike pump track was discussed as a possible addition.

Why this matters: The project would extend multi‑use trail access, improve safe walking and biking routes to schools and parks, and support tourism and festivals by offering alternatives to driving and parking downtown.

The board approved the resolution by roll call as recorded in the minutes; staff will proceed with the grant application and county coordination.