MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Tenn. – A ribbon cutting ceremony was held Monday, Oct. 19 for the official opening of RichEllen Park in Montgomery County.
The park, located off Highway 149 in the Palmyra area just two miles past Hilltop Market, was developed on 50 acres of land purchased in 2010 from Annette Hoffman Tinnin and her husband. The park is named in memory of Tinnin’s parents, Richard and Ellen Henry Hoffman, who were both natives of Clarksville.
RichEllen has a fully outfitted baseball field, along with a concessions building, playground, and several other features.
“It’s been a long time coming since we dug a little dirt and said we’re gonna build this park,” said Jerry Albert, Director of Montgomery County Parks and Recreation and County Commissioner. “We’ve come a long a way. We’ve had a lot of people that encouraged us. It’s just amazing to be here.”
The park will be home to Montgomery Central Little League next spring, and the park can be booked for baseball and softball tournaments.
Officials plan to host a wide variety of events at the park, including a farmers market, car shows, family reunions, and musical events.
“As long as we can accommodate, we plan to have them here at the park,” Albert said.
In an emotional turn of events, County Mayor Jim Durrett surprised former Mayor Carolyn Bowers and the crowd with the unveiling of the Carolyn Bowers Pavilion, named in her honor.
“I’ve been so excited about this park and just couldn’t wait until it came to completion so the citizens could start using it,” Bowers said. “I never imagined it would have my name on any part of it. It’s something the citizens on this side of the county and every side of the county will enjoy.”
For booking information, contact Montgomery County Parks and Recreation at (931) 648-5732.
Photos by Lee Erwin | ClarksvilleNow.com