CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – The Montgomery County Commission voted unanimously to adopt a new 10-Year Parks Plan, which includes new county parks facilities as well upgrades to existing parks, at their Monday meeting.

The 10-Year Master Plan, was created by Barge Design Solutions. While creating their parks strategy, Barge collected 665 surveys from Montgomery County residents. Among citizens’ top concerns were walking/hiking trails, wildlife parks and canoe/kayak water access.

The plan includes new parks and athletic facilities, upgrades to existing facilities and expansions to Greenway and Blueway systems.

Proposed parks, according to a study by Barge Design Solutions (Contributed: Montgomery County)

Short-term recommendations in the plan include new bathrooms at Rotary Park, improvements to the Fredonia Community Center and the completion of Stokes Field.

Short term recommendations made by Barge Design Solutions as part of the new 10-Year Master Parks Plan adopted by Montgomery County Aug. 2021 (contributed)

According to Montgomery County Parks and Recreation Department’s Natural Resources and Programming Director Sally Burchett, the cost of capital improvements included in the plan are around $87 million over the 10-year period.

The master plan adopted by commissioners this week does not include any funding for parks projects, but will allow the Parks Department to begin seeking grants for projects in the plan.