CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – An ambitious, new 10-year master parks plan will be voted on by the Montgomery County Board of Commissioners at their formal meeting Monday, August 9.
The plan is the product of a study commissioned by the county in 2020. It was conducted by Barge Design Solutions in partnership with Montgomery County Parks and Recreation staff and committee members.
It was presented to county commissioners on Monday by Mary Vavra, a senior landscape planner with Barge.
The study involved surveys of Montgomery County’s current parks in addition to public meetings, focus groups, extensive research and an online survey with 655 local participants.
Vavra told commission members that, while Clarksville-Montgomery County is home to several high-quality parks, more are needed to keep up with community growth and the funding is currently not keeping pace.
Barge found that Montgomery County needs to add 574 acres of park space, and 981 acres by 2030, in order to meet community needs. That acreage will need to include new playgrounds, basketball courts, baseball fields and other outdoor recreation facilities.
“Currently, you are deficient in a lot of facilities,” Vavra told commissioners. “I would be surprised if your constituents haven’t mentioned this to you, that there is a real lack of these facilities. And, again, as your population grows, that just continues to grow.”
Barge’s study identified the types of amenities citizens want most from Montgomery County parks. Some of the highest rated items include trails for hiking, walking and biking; wildlife parks and access to local waterways.
What’s in the plan
The plan includes several new parks and recreation projects to serve the ever-growing population of Montgomery County, including expansions to both the Greenway and Blueway.
The plan also includes several additional parks facilities throughout Montgomery County, as well as enhancements to existing parks
Barge made several short-term recommendations as well, including but not limited to new bathrooms at Rotary Park, enhancements to Fredonia Community Center, and the completion of Stokes Field.
Montgomery County Parks and Recreation Department’s Natural Resources and Programming Director Sally Burchett estimates the cost of capital improvements in the plan at $87 million over the 10 year period. In order for the county to apply for grants, county commissioners will have to formally adopt the plan.
They are expected to vote on a resolution to adopt the 10-year plan on at their next formal meeting Monday, August 9, at 6 p.m.