CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – Montgomery County Parks & Recreation heled a naming ceremony and announced plans for a new community park on Tuesday. The new park has been named to recognize community advocate Pastor James Brigham of Greater St. James Baptist Church.

The site of the park, which is approximately 1.5 acres, will be at Daniel Street and Central Avenue near the church.

Rashidah Leverette, Minnie Brigham, Pastor James Brigham, and Tony Eldridge at the announcement of plans for the new Brigham Park at the corner of Daniel St. and Central Ave. on, Aug. 1, 2022. (Lee Erwin)
Pastor James Brigham Minnie Brigham, Lucille Jones, and Delores Collins at the announcement of plans for the new Brigham Park at the corner of Daniel St. and Central Ave. on, Aug. 1, 2022. (Lee Erwin)
Tony Eldridge Pastor James Brigham and Kimberly Wiggins at the announcement of plans for the new Brigham Park at the corner of Daniel St. and Central Ave. on, Aug. 1, 2022. (Lee Erwin)
Sally Burchett, Montgomery County Parks & Recreation Director speaks at the announcement of plans for the new Brigham Park at the corner of Daniel St. and Central Ave. on, Aug. 1, 2022. (Lee Erwin)
Montgomery County officials and guests at the announcement of plans for the new Brigham Park at the corner of Daniel St. and Central Ave. on, Aug. 1, 2022. (Lee Erwin)
Montgomery County officials and guests at the announcement of plans for the new Brigham Park at the corner of Daniel St. and Central Ave. on, Aug. 1, 2022. (Lee Erwin)
Montgomery County Mayor Jim Durrett speaks at the announcement of plans for the new Brigham Park at the corner of Daniel St. and Central Ave. on, Aug. 1, 2022. (Lee Erwin)
District 5 Montgomery County Commissioner Rashidah Leverett speaks at the announcement of plans for the new Brigham Park at the corner of Daniel St. and Central Ave. on, Aug. 1, 2022. (Lee Erwin)
Pastor James Brigham speaks at the announcement of plans for the new Brigham Park at the corner of Daniel St. and Central Ave. on, Aug. 1, 2022. (Lee Erwin)
Montgomery County officials and citizens at the announcement of plans for the new Brigham Park at the corner of Daniel St. and Central Ave. on, Aug. 1, 2022. (Lee Erwin)
District 5 Montgomery County Commissioner, Minnie Brigham, and Pastor James Brigham at the announcement of plans for the new Brigham Park at the corner of Daniel St. and Central Ave. on, Aug. 1, 2022. (Lee Erwin)

“I am relieved that someone saw something that I didn’t see, and that is the vision that this community would have a park to help those that are in great need. I’m saying to Clarksville today, let us come together because this is a loving city and a loving county,” Brigham said.

Renovations will be made to the existing basketball court, a paved walking trail will be added, some open green space will be available in the middle of the field, and there will be a community pavilion with picnic tables and multiple benches for sitting, according to Montgomery County Parks & Recreation Director Sally Burchett.

Parks & Recreation is partnering with the Imagination Library to have a storybook trail on the site. There are already two storybook trails in Montgomery County – one at RichEllen Park and another at Weakley Park.

“We’re trying something new, trying to be a little innovative with this property, so we’re going to be doing some surface-level play and fitness elements in some different areas across the property as well,” Burchett said.

Montgomery County Commissioner Rashidah Leverett came up with the idea and spearheaded the effort with local officials for the park and to name it for Brigham.

“There’s going to be a little bit of education, exercise, community involvement, all in this little pocket park. I’m so proud to name it after Pastor Brigham, and I’m looking forward to what it’s going to be and the impact it’s going to make on the community,” Leverett said.

The design process for the park is under way. The goal is to have it out for bid in September, with work possibly beginning this winter, and an opening in the summer of 2023.