Cumberland County officials are gearing up to begin the design phase for major upgrades at the county fairgrounds and community complex, following state funding approval and the selection of a local architectural firm, according to Cumberland County Mayor Allen Foster.

The developments come as the county’s Building and Grounds Committee prepares to meet to review preliminary concepts for the complex.

That meeting takes place at 4:30 p.m. at the Cumberland County courthouse, Tuesday, September 22nd.

Proposed features include a covered arena, new restrooms, upgraded concession stands, and the potential addition of dedicated conferencing space.

“The architect should be there [at the meeting]. They’re going to start talking about the things that they want, need, and can build into this project,” Foster said. “Everything just got approved… last month was the architecture group that was recommended, and tonight funding was moved around from what Speaker Cameron Sexton and Senator Paul Bailey got us from the state of Tennessee for the arena. All the ducks are in a row now and ready to start moving.”

Local firm Upland Design Group, which previously handled architectural work for the Cumberland County Courthouse remodel, was selected to design the project. Foster noted that while the project is officially moving into the design phase, it is not yet ready to go out for construction bids.

Addressing separate community inquiries regarding future work on the inn and restaurant at Cumberland Mountain State Park, Foster clarified that the park project remains entirely under state jurisdiction.

“That’ll be a state project, so the county won’t be involved,” Foster explained, noting that county discussions remain strictly focused on county-owned assets like the community complex.