Carter County Secures $2M in Grants to Rebuild Erik Anderson Park

Funding from Appalachian Regional Commission and Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation will allow restoration and new improvements.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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Carter County has secured up to $2 million in grant funding to rebuild and improve Erik Anderson Park in Roan Mountain, Tennessee, which was destroyed by Hurricane Helene. The funding comes from the Appalachian Regional Commission and the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation, allowing the restoration of damaged amenities and the addition of new features.

Why it matters

Erik Anderson Park is a central community space in Roan Mountain, and its destruction by Hurricane Helene left a void. The grant funding will allow the park to be fully restored and potentially enhanced, ensuring it can continue serving the local community for years to come.

The details

The $2 million in grants will be used to select an engineering firm and begin restoration work on the park. The Appalachian Regional Commission has awarded a $1 million no-match grant to restore park amenities impacted by flooding, while the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation has made up to $1 million available through its Local Parks and Recreation Fund, which will allow for the installation of new amenities.

  • In February 2026, Carter County secured the grant funding to rebuild Erik Anderson Park.
  • Project planning is currently underway, and construction timelines and updates will be shared as progress is made.

The players

Carter County

The local government entity that secured the grant funding to rebuild Erik Anderson Park.

Appalachian Regional Commission

A federal-state partnership that awarded a $1 million no-match grant to restore park amenities impacted by Hurricane Helene.

Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation

The state agency that made up to $1 million available through its Local Parks and Recreation Fund to allow for the installation of new amenities at Erik Anderson Park.

Patty Woodby

The Carter County Mayor who expressed excitement about the park's restoration and future improvements.

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What they’re saying

“This park is a big part of the Roan Mountain community. Hurricane Helene caused significant damage, but we're excited to move forward with restoration and bring this park back to life. We want to make sure it continues serving this community for years to come.”

— Patty Woodby, Carter County Mayor (elizabethton.com)

What’s next

Project planning is underway, and construction timelines and updates will be shared as progress is made.

The takeaway

The $2 million in grant funding secured by Carter County will allow for the full restoration of Erik Anderson Park in Roan Mountain, which was devastated by Hurricane Helene. The park's reconstruction will ensure it can continue serving as a vital community space for years to come.