Project updates provide view into city’s progression

A wave of projects has been keeping Sparta-White County busy, and some are closer to arriving than residents think.

The new Dairy Queen, on East Bockman next to the post office, is set to open sometime before the end of 2025; the skate park, on South Carter Street, is nearing completion; and the new White County Health Department building, on the corner of Mose Drive and Old Smithville Highway, is progressing at a steady pace.

The new health department, which hosted its groundbreaking in May 2025, has begun to see some progress. The trees around the Mose Drive corner have been cleared out, and the foundation work is being laid. The summer 2026 completion timeframe is still expected. The new facility is expected to be a massive improvement to the existing health department, offering a new, top-of-the-line facility as well as better access and visibility to Highway 111.

One of the most exciting additions to Sparta is the Dairy Queen. Announced near the end of 2023, the business is almost ready to open. The Peacock Gas Station, which is attached, has been finished, and Dairy Queen is expected to have its doors open before the end of 2025. The Waffle House planned for 601 W. Bockman Way has not begun any construction yet, but there are still plans for its arrival in Sparta.

Lastly, there is the skateboard park being constructed next to South Carter Street Park. After the demolition of the building in June 2025, the city has been hard at work quickly finishing up their development plans. The area has a fenced-in section near the road, and it is expected to be completed very soon. The new skateboard park will have a new pavilion, restrooms, and will finally finish the relocation project for the skateboard park lost after the crumbling of the old Sparta Hardware building, on Bockman Way.