CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – The Montgomery County Parks and Recreation Department is closing in on some major project milestones plus the opening of two grant‑funded playgrounds at Fredonia and Stokes Park.

At the June 10 Parks and Recreation Committee meeting, county staff also outlined progress on larger initiatives, including the Lone Oak Community Center, now projected for completion by the end of the year, and the multi‑phase Greenway expansion that will soon stretch to the Cheatham County line. It was also said that the long-term goal for the greenway includes extending it to Hopkinsville, Kentucky.

Montgomery County Park project updates

Both Fredonia Park and Stokes Park are now open and actively used, the committee said. Both playgrounds were fully funded by the Community Health Foundation through grants, so no county dollars were spent on construction.

Fredonia Park is at 4650 Old Ashland City Road South with the Fredonia Community Center, and Stokes Park is at 1580 Fort Campbell Blvd. with the Stokes Field baseball park.

Meanwhile, Carmel Park is in the design phase and will be located next to Carmel Elementary School on Sango Road. According to Parks and Recreation Operations Manager Nick Williams, the design includes a pickleball and tennis complex.

“Phase 1 is just going to be pickleball, so we’ll have a parking lot and the necessary utilities,” Williams said. However, there will not be a restroom or a clubhouse in Phase 1 due to budget constraints.

Greenway expansion to Ashland City

The greenway is being developed in segments, and those are mostly in the design or construction phase. Parks and Rec is pursuing multiple grants, and the process is ongoing, Williams said.

“We’re trying to catch up to the grant applications, and as soon as we can do that, we’re going to start getting ahead of them so that every time a grant cycle comes around, we have something ready to show,” he said.

The county will soon receive the final land section from the City of Clarksville, giving it property all the way to the Cheatham County line, where plans are for the Ashland City Greenway to be extended to meet it.

The committee talked about how the long-term goal is a continuous greenway stretching from Ashland City through Montgomery County to Hopkinsville. One committee member remarked that it would be a national attraction, as well as an incredible opportunity for people being able to do a greenway run, hike, bike and many other activities along the trail.

Lone Oak Community Center status

The Lone Oak Community Center is under construction on Highway 48 in Cunningham, with the basement being waterproofed and the interior walls rebuilt.

Workers are now removing the stained‑glass windows of the former church and replacing them. Williams said the project is scheduled to be finished by the end of the year, though the contractor expects an earlier completion.

Williams said the commission approved additional funding for HVAC improvements. Any remaining funds will be used to improve the parking lot.

  • The estimated completion date is between November and December.
  • HVAC upgrades are funded and planned.
  • Rental fees and policies will be set at the September meeting.

Fredonia’s 100th Celebration

The Fredonia Community Center building is turning 100 this year, and Parks and Rec has planned a three‑day celebration for Sept. 10-12.

Starting Thursday night, the county will be hosting a “Night of History” with booths on school history, the basketball teams, renovation stories and community memories.

On Friday night, the county will host a community square dance honoring the building’s past as a square-dancing hall. Director Sally Read said the event will include an educational segment in partnership with the Red River Ramblers, a local square‑dancing group.

As for Saturday, the department will host a birthday party with bounce houses, food trucks, an open house and a group photo for former students.

  • Thursday: Night of History
  • Friday: Square dancing
  • Saturday: Birthday party

Fredonia pavilion, trail naming

The committee voted to name the pavilion at Fredonia Park after Phil Holt and the walking path after Thomas Murff.

Holt and Murff played key roles in getting Fredonia built, so Mayor Wes Golden asked the committee to vote on honoring their contributions. The names will be unveiled during the celebration.

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