CLARKSVILLE, Tenn.- (CLARKSVILLE NOW) Local attractions filled with history have drawn natives and visitors alike to Clarksville through the years. Dozens admire the work created by professional artists, sculptors and designers.
The various attractions include a museum, statues, murals, sculptures and nature scenery:
McGregor Park Riverwalk
McGregor Park, located at 640 N. Riverside Drive, is filled with beautiful, nature scenery for a day of outdoor fun. The park is known for its one mile trail created for walking, running and bicycling alongside the Cumberland River. It even includes a picnic area, ADA accessible playground and boat ramp leading to the river. For more information or to plan your day of fun, visit http://www.cityofclarksville.com/index.aspx?page=125
Clarksville Starry Night
Clarksville’s Starry Night” mural, located at 420 Madison Street, was created by artist Alasubomi Aka-Bashorun. The inspiration behind the mural came from artist Vincent van Gogh, who created the original “Starry Night. Aka-Bashorun then chose two popular Clarksville locations, the Customs House Museum & Cultural Center and the Montgomery County Courthouse, and placed the buildings under a starry sky.
Roxy Regional Theatre
The Roxy Regional Theatre, located at 100 Franklin St, is open year-round to host a number of play productions and offer opportunities for those interested in drama. To view the show listings, buy tickets or more information, visit http://roxyregionaltheatre.org/
The Clarksville Protector
The Clarksville Protector, located at 135 Commerce Street, was created by artists Roger & Neil Brodin, The idea for the statue came from Clarksville Police Officer, Jackie Ashby who was inspired by the significance of a memorial statue titled “Protector.” After receiving many donations, Ashby contacted the Brodin brothers and the Clarksville Protector was created. The statue was sculpted to depict two Clarksville police officers with one holding the hand of a child and the other with a hand on the shoulder.
The Day After
The Day After sculpture, located between Second and Commerce Streets, was created by Clarksville fireman Scott Wise. The sculptor created a man reading a local newspaper, while sitting on a park bench. The newspaper signifies efforts made by the Leaf Chronicle who managed to publish the day after a tornado struck downtown Clarksville.
Lenora “Nora” Witzel & Nettie
Lenora “Nora” Witzel & Nettie, located at the northeast corner of the Montgomery County Courthouse, was sculpted by artist Andrea Lugar. The inspiration behind the sculpture comes from the life Lenora lived as a woman photographer. Despite many hardships, she left an impact on the Clarksville community strong enough to last a lifetime.
Wilma Rudolph
The Wilma Rudolph sculpture, located at 1190 TN-48, honors the life lived by the Olympic Gold Medalist. Rudolph was a well-known citizen in the Clarksville area who did not let her diagnosis of polio as child stop her track career. The statue, sculpted in bronze, depicts the photo taken of Rudolph crossing the finish line at the 1960 Summer Olympics.
Children’s Fountain
The Children’s Fountain, located at 115 Strawberry Alley, was installed by the Custom Marble Specialist organization. The fountain represents the need to nurture and care for the children in the Clarksville community.
John Montgomery
The John Montgomery statue, located outside of City Hall at Strawberry Alley, has been standing since early 2002. The statue was created to honor Montgomery who named Clarksville as the second, oldest city.
Pat Head Summitt Legacy Plaza
A bronze statue of legendary UT Women’s Head Basketball Coach, Pat Head Summitt, was recently unveiled at Clarksville’s Liberty Park. An interpretative display of her life story from her childhood to her historic career as the winningest coach in college basketball.
Bursting With Pride
Bursting With Pride, located 110 Franklin Street, was created by artist Ricky Deel. The mural depicts several buildings destroyed by a tornado in the downtown Clarksville area. The 10,000 square foot mural is seen daily by the natives and serves as a reminder to those who lived through the experience.
Customs House Museum & Cultural Center
The Customs House Museum & Cultural Center, located at 200 South 2nd Street, is 35,000 square feet of exhibit space filled with tons of fun for Clarksville natives. Plan your day to receive access to special events and hands-on activities. For information on admission prices, hours and parking, visit http://www.customshousemuseum.org/
Austin Peay
Governor Austin Peay was honored with a sign located just outside of the Montgomery County Court House. His achievements as governor were significant to the Clarksville area and the sign was created as a token of gratitude. Visit the sign today to read up on Governor Austin Peay and the life he lived.
Frank Sutton
Frank “Sgt. Carter” Sutton statue, located at 107 Franklin Street, was sculpted by Scott Wise. Sutton is conveyed as Sgt. Carter, one of his most popular roles from the show “Gomer Pyle U.S.M.C.”.
Clarksville visitors and natives are welcome to view the statue anytime while walking in the downtown area. For more information, visit http://clarksvillenow.com/local/frank-sutton-statue-dedicated-in-clarksville/