CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – During the Clarksville Area Chamber of Commerce Mayor’s Power Breakfast on Tuesday, both local mayors gave overviews of some of the accomplishments during their recent terms, with Clarksville Mayor Joe Pitts’ presentation including a video recap.
Pitts noted that this would be his final presentation at the annual event, having previously announced he will not be seeking a third term. “Thank you for the opportunity and honor of serving as mayor,” Pitts said, his voice breaking with emotion. He spoke of the need for unity in local governments as critical to the community’s success. “If we can set aside our differences and be honest brokers, there’s no end to what we can accomplish.”
Montgomery County updates
Montgomery County Mayor Wes Golden provided updates on several key initiatives that are underway from county government. Here are some highlights:
Montgomery County Fairgrounds: This 152-acre site is in progress, with Phase 1 fully funded. That includes design, land grading, roads, parking lots and restrooms. The park is under development off Highway 79, past Exit 4, on Arkadelphia Road. The site is still being “master-planned,” Golden said, “That way before we put the first structure up, we know what the last one’s going to look like.”
Kirkwood sheriff’s precinct: With a new school campus being built adjacent to the Marcelina development, and ongoing rapid growth in that area, Golden said the county is building a new Montgomery County Fire Department headquarters in Kirkwood off Rossview Road. He announced that attached to it in the same building will be a Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office precinct – the first one outside the city limits, “to put resources closer to where people live.”
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Radio system: Years in the making, and with a $22 million price tag over three years, the radio system coming online will, for the first time, allow the Montgomery County EMS to talk directly to the Clarksville Police Department, among other features. “When you need something on an emergency scene, you don’t need it right now, you need it five minutes ago.” Pitts agreed with the importance of the shared radio system and said it will be a “huge win for public safety.”
Highway 374: Montgomery County has made a formal request to the Tennessee Department of Transportation that county government be allowed to take on the right-of-way acquisition process, in order to speed up the project. The project will create a loop around Clarksville, extending 374 south from Dover Road, over the Cumberland River, then connecting to state Highway 149 at River Road. “We’re going to do everything that we can do to move these projects forward,” he said.
New playgrounds: New playgrounds are planned at Fredonia Park and at Stokes Field, and the old playground at Cumberland Heights School.
Greenway expansion: Over 1 mile of greenway has been completed on the southeast side of the county, with the goal of having a greenway that connects Clarksville to Ashland City. “They’re working towards us and we’re going to work towards them,” Golden said.
250th celebration: To mark the July 4, 2026, 250th anniversary of the United States, a local party is being planned, and Golden hinted at bringing in a Ferris wheel for the celebration at Downtown Commons.
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