• What's Up Columbia!
  • Posts
  • City Council Seeks $2.4M Grant to Double Size of Aquatics & Recreation Center

City Council Seeks $2.4M Grant to Double Size of Aquatics & Recreation Center

Issue #586

October 16, 2025

In this What’s Up Columbia issue…

☁️ Columbia’s Friday Weather - Partly cloudy / cloudy w/ high of 84, low of 62

📰 City Council Seeks $2.4M Grant to Double Size of Aquatics & Recreation Center

👮‍♀️ Mt. Pleasant Police Department Launching Citizens’ Academy

🗓 List of Upcoming Events
 
🎵 This Week’s Live Music

🗓 Know of Some Local Events Not Listed? Send us the Details!

City Council Seeks $2.4M Grant to Double Size of Aquatics & Recreation Center

Columbia City Council has given the green light to pursue a $2.4 million grant that would significantly expand the Columbia Aquatics and Recreation Center (ARC) and fund construction of a new sports complex.

If awarded, the grant from the BlueCross Healthy Place program would cover the full cost of the project with no local match required. The proposed expansion includes two new indoor sports courts designed for basketball, volleyball, and pickleball, along with a 0.10-mile indoor walking track that would link the new courts to the existing facility.

Parks and Recreation Director Mack Reagan said the project would nearly double the ARC’s indoor recreation space, creating more opportunities for both youth and adults to stay active year-round. The connected walking track would serve the city’s growing senior community and provide a comfortable place to walk during extreme weather.

This marks Columbia’s fourth attempt at securing a BlueCross Healthy Place Grant, but the first time the city has applied for this specific project.

The plan also includes added amenities for families. As children participate in games or practices, parents could use the track for exercise while still keeping an eye on the action.

City leaders expressed strong support for the project, noting how transformative the ARC has already been since the city purchased the former Muletown Rec facility earlier this year. Mayor Chaz Molder said the expansion would strengthen Columbia’s ability to host sports tournaments and community events that bring residents together and attract visitors.

Mt. Pleasant Police Department Launching Citizens’ Academy

Click the image to access the Citizen’s Police Academy Application

The Mt. Pleasant Police Department is preparing to launch a new Citizens’ Academy, a hands-on program designed to strengthen connections between officers and residents while offering a closer look at daily police work.

The four-week program will meet at the department on Nov. 3, 10, 17, and 24 from 6–8 p.m., with an additional Saturday session to be announced. Participants will learn about various aspects of law enforcement, including patrol operations, investigations, communications, hiring practices, and the legal process. The sessions will also feature interactive experiences with police tools and equipment.

The department sees the academy as a way to build on its already strong relationship with the community by fostering mutual trust and understanding. While the training will not qualify anyone to become a police officer, it’s meant to give citizens a realistic look at the challenges and responsibilities of local law enforcement. Organizers also hope it might inspire some participants to pursue a future in policing, whether in Mt. Pleasant or elsewhere.

The academy is open to anyone age 21 and older, with priority given to those who live or work within Mt. Pleasant city limits. Applications can be downloaded from the police department’s website and mailed to the Mount Pleasant Police Department, Attn: Officer Cory England, at P.O. Box 426, Mt. Pleasant, TN 38483.

For more information, contact Officer England at [email protected] or (931) 379-3201.

Upcoming Local Events

🗓 Have an event to add? Send us the Details!

Thursday, October 16th

Friday, October 17th

Saturday, October 18th

Sunday, October 12th

👇 Click the Links to Learn About our Local Business Sponsors! 👇

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

Thursday, October 16

Todd Ciprian, Tito’s Spring Hill, 6–9 PM
Hitmakes Series, Puckett’s, 7:30–9 PM
Gynne Alden, Whiskey Alley Saloon, 7:30–9 PM

Friday, October 17

TBA – The Spot: Burgers & Beers, 5–8 PM
Trevor Clark – Buck & Board, 6–9 PM
Open Mic Night – Grinder’s Switch, 6–9 PM
Clubhouse Rock – Worldwide Stages, 6–10 PM
Tom & Robert – McCreary’s Irish Pub & Eatery, 7–9 PM
Iconic Women of Music – The Mulehouse, 7:30 PM
Troy Castelland – Puckett’s, 7:30–9 PM
Kit Bulla – Whiskey Alley Saloon, 7:30–9 PM
Ryan Keeler – Grazie Italian Eatery, 7:30–9:30 PM
The Outliers – The Boondox, 8 PM
Vinyl Four – Fozzy’s Bar & Grill, 8–11 PM

Saturday, October 18

Small Town Sweethearts – Amber Falls Winery & Cellars, 3–7 PM
Larkin & Leigh – Buck & Board, 5–8 PM
Murphy Ridge – McCreary’s Irish Pub & Eatery, 7–9 PM
John Wayne Band – Twisted Copper Brewing Co., 7–9 PM
Michael Rix – Puckett’s, 7:30–9 PM
Fall Series: The Bourbon Gospel – 7:30 PM
Still Rockin’ – The Rebel Bar & Grill, 7:30 PM
Carter Elliott – Grazie Italian Eatery, 7:30–9:30 PM
U4IA – The Ultimate U2 Tribute Show – The Mulehouse, 8 PM
Vaughn Station – The Boondox, 8 PM
Jill FM – Fozzy’s Bar & Grill, 8–11 PM

Sunday, October 19

John Salaway & Raw Radick – Amber Falls Winery & Cellars, 1–5 PM

Want to get your business in What’s Up Columbia? Let’s talk