City of La Follette awarded its second largest grant ever

The city was awarded a $2,773,000 grant to be used to construct a sports complex

LAFOLLETTE, TN (WLAF)- What started as a discussion in August 2023 about developing land the City of La Follette owned now appears to have funding. City of La Follette Finance Director Terry Sweat, City Administrator Stan Foust and Evan Sanders with Community Development Partners worked on applying for the grant and submitted it on April 1, 2025.

On Monday, the state announced the city had been awarded a $2,773,000 grant to go toward the construction of a sports complex. This is the second largest grant the city has ever received, according to Foust. Foust said “we’re very thankful for this grant”. 

While the grant requires a 50/50 match, the city will only need $464,500 in funds. The city will use 12 acres as an in kind donation to cover the remaining amount.  The city will have three years to complete the first phase of the project. The total projected cost of the sports complex is $6 million and will be completed in phases.

The complex is slated to be developed on the back 12 acres of the property the city owns located off Independence Lane near Roane State Community College. The complex will have sports fields, a walking trail around the fields, a playground, a splash pad, restrooms and concession stands. The property in total is 18.5 acres, and the city intends to sell the front 6.5 acres to be developed into a business district that could possibly have a hotel, sit down restaurant and a strip mall.

“The complex will benefit the city by providing safe and engaging recreation for all kids and family all the while creating opportunities for sports tournaments such as baseball, soccer and tennis. It will also promote public health and fitness with walking trails and outdoor activity areas, attract future business investments including a hotel, sit down restaurant and strip center. The development will support a sustainable revenue stream through increasing tourism and local spending,” said Foust.  

The city hopes to break ground on the complex in Spring 2026.

(WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED-07/16/2025-6AM-IMAGE SUBMITTED)