CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – The Clarksville-Montgomery County School Board voted Tuesday to approve the transfer of Stokes Park to Montgomery County, clearing the final hurdle in a years-long effort to rebuild and reopen the neglected athletic complex at New Providence Middle School.

The vote approved a quitclaim deed that shifts the Stokes Field property from the school district to Montgomery County Parks and Recreation, which has already been operating the site since construction wrapped up last year.

Stokes Field was previously owned by the Clarksville-Montgomery County School System and—before the revitalization—had been leased by the City of Clarksville. The project began in 2019, when CMCSS and county officials began planning a full redesign of the park. Clarksville Now previously reported that the County Commission voted in June 2022 to approve $8 million to “bring Stokes Field alive.”

The commission later approved the final funding in July 2024, and a groundbreaking ceremony was held that same month. Construction finished in August 2025, adding new athletic fields, a concession building, football fields and a pavilion. The park officially opened that fall.

CMCSS details priority use, reversion clause and questions fees

At the June 2 school board study session, Bryan Lopp, the CMCSS Facilities Engineering Manager, presented the transfer to the board. Lopp said this has been an approximately $10.8 million project. “CMCSS appreciates the continued partnership with the County Parks and Recreation Department, whose significant investment in upgrading Stokes Field will directly benefit our school, students and broader community,” he said.

He emphasized that CMCSS will still have first priority use for school programs and the secondary gates will stay locked during school hours. Lopp said use of that gate would be limited to emergency access and weekend tournaments.

“The district will hold the keys and will have continued access rights to the locked athletic facilities,” he said. Lopp said the deed also includes a reversion clause, meaning the property would return to CMCSS if the county stops using it for organized community sports.

Director of Schools Dr. Jean Luna-Vedder said the quitclaim deed had previously been done with the city, and the deed reverted back to the district when Stokes Field was not maintained.

“We’re not saying that we’re the only ones who can use Stokes during the school day,” she said. “Right now, New Providence Middle School had been using that area … That does not mean it’s exclusionary.” Luna-Vedder added that in the future, they wanted to make sure New Providence Middle School kids are not left out.

School board member Jimmie Garland voiced concerns about what fees would be associated with the park. County spokesperson Michelle Hueffmeier told Clarksville Now the fees will remain consistent with other county parks.

At the June 16 formal meeting, the board voted unanimously to approve the Stokes Park transfer as part of their consent agenda.

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