Parks and Recreation Commission
Regular MeetingMurfreesboro, TN · August 4, 2021
Minutes
MURFREESBORO PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 4, 2021 12:00 NOON
MPRC Members Present: Mr. Eddie Miller, Chair
Dr. Gloria Bonner, Mr. Leroy Cunningham,
Mr. Rick LaLance, Mr. Ronnie Martin, Mr. Ricky Turner,
and Mr. Don Turner (ex officio)
MPRC Members Absent: Mr. Trey Duke and Mr. Tim Roediger
Other(s) Present: Ms. Kelley Baker (Asst. City Attorney)
After the meeting was called to order, Mr. Ricky Turner led everyone in a prayer and in
the Pledge of Allegiance. Mr. Miller welcomed all to the meeting and said that Mr. Nate
Williams was going to discuss the first agenda item.
Mr. Williams provided the commission with an MPRD revenues and expenditures report,
which included a snapshot of the last five years. He pointed out that total revenues were
down in 2020, as expected due to the pandemic, but added that staff adapted and
continued to provide programming the best that they could under the circumstances. Mr.
Williams stated that revenues for the Adams Tennis Complex, however, did manage to
increase during 2020.
Ms. Susan Hicks introduced Ms. Leslie Wright, the new Cultural Arts Facility Coordinator,
who has been working with the department for two years as a programmer. Ms. Wright
said that she was grateful for the opportunity. Mr. Williams then introduced Ms. Monica
Donahue and said that she was the department’s new Finance/Personnel Supervisor,
taking the place of Ms. Cindy Nance who recently retired.
Ms. Hicks next presented for approval Frightensburgh classes to be held at Patterson
prior to the actual Frightensburgh event scheduled at Cannonsburgh October 15-16,
2021. There will be youth and adult classes offered where participants can learn how to
scare people and obtain information about scary makeup, costuming, and props. After
the classes, there will be auditions for those interested in working at the Cannonsburgh
Frightensburgh event. The cost for the class is $75.00, which includes a $25.00
participation fee, $50.00 supply fee, and a Frightensburgh t-shirt. Mr. LaLance made a
motion to approve the classes and associated fees. Dr. Bonner seconded. Motion
passed by unanimous vote.
Mr. Thomas Laird announced that the Barfield Crescent Park Disc Golf Course has been
open for 20 years now and stays busy and even very crowded at peak times, adding that
the popularity of disc golf has grown over the years locally, nationally, and internationally.
He mentioned that more people took on the sport in 2020 during the pandemic when
outdoor recreational activities were sought. Mr. Laird explained that due to the continued
popularity of disc golf and the already high usage of the Barfield Crescent Park course,
staff would like to install a permanent 18-hole disc golf course across town at 1318 Central
Valley Road on 56 acres of unused City-owned land adjacent to the North Murfreesboro
Greenway Trailhead. The idea is to alleviate crowding at the current disc golf course,
while giving two, disc golf course options for local and out-of-town players.
Mr. Laird further stated that the Richard Siegel Soccer Park maintenance crew has
cleared and mowed the fairways and has installed disc golf baskets on the temporary
Central Valley Road course for locals to use until the proposed permanent course is
completed, which will include tee pads, benches, and signage. Mr. Williams mentioned
that maintenance and athletic staff, as well as Mr. Laird, have put a lot of work into the
course already, around $100,000 worth if bid out. Mr. Laird said there should only be
minimal costs with continued in-house work on the permanent course. Mr. LaLance asked
what the anticipated cost would be. Mr. Laird thought it might be $20,000. Mr. Williams
stated that funds are allocated in the operating budget for needed disc golf course items
and work. Mr. LaLance said that disc golf courses are generally low maintenance
recreational venues. Mr. Laird added that funds can also be obtained through tee pad
sponsorships.
Mr. Ronnie Martin asked how the 56 acres has been maintained. Mr. Laird said the
Murfreesboro Water Resources Department bushhogged the property until the temporary
disc golf course was added, and now the soccer park maintenance crew mows the
acreage about once a week and tends to the roughs every two or three weeks. Mr. Laird
said that having the new turf fields at the soccer park has alleviated some mowing
responsibilities of the soccer park crew, who can now help with the disc golf course
mowing.
Mr. Leroy Cunningham asked if the plans for the new disc golf course would take away
from another possible usage for the land. Mr. Williams said the property is available City
space and is a good fit for a disc golf course. Mr. Laird added that due to the property’s
significant elevation changes, the land is not suitable for structures without a lot of
subgrading, preparation work and costs. Mr. Cunningham asked about how many people
in the local community play disc golf. Mr. Laird said that the department has not attempted
to track usage of the disc golf course or greenway due to the venues being for public use.
He estimated that there are around 200 members in the local disc golf association (the
professional, serious players) and said that when the department has tournaments, the
max number of participants allowed is 180, which was 90 just 15 years ago. Mr. Laird
hopes to split the disc golf course traffic with two courses available, which should also be
beneficial environmentally for the fairways with less people at each venue. Mr. LaLance
made a motion to approve the addition of an 18-hole disc golf course at Central Valley
Road. Mr. Martin seconded. Motion passed by unanimous vote.
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Ms. Kristin Hopkins, Recreation Facility Coordinator with the Outdoor Murfreesboro
Natural Resource Team, requested the commission’s approval for staff to apply for an
Education/Nonprofit Nursery License so that native plants produced by the Murfreesboro
Indigenous Plant Project at the Barfield Crescent Park Wilderness Station may be sold
from the station as well. The license would be free once the Tennessee Department of
Agriculture approves the Station’s license. Native plants to the area that are planted at
homes of local community members help support pollinators and songbirds and aid in
reintroducing ecosystem services back into the landscape. Dr. Bonner made a motion to
approve staff’s submittal of the education/nonprofit nursery license. Mr. Turner seconded.
Motion passed by unanimous vote.
Ms. Hopkins also requested approval to establish a new chapter of the Tennessee
Naturalist Program (TNP) at the Wilderness Station. The facility’s staff would be in charge
of the TNP curriculum of 10-11 four-hour classes of natural history topics for adults, and
taught by field experts. Each student will have to complete 40 hours of instruction and 40
hours of volunteer work to become a certified Tennessee Naturalist. TNP has set the fee
at $250, and they will handle the registration process, including running the fees through
their system. The TNP will purchase all student supplies and share the profit 50/50 with
the chapter, which is expected to be $2,500 for each session offered. Staff believes that
by including this adult, expert-led, higher education course, the current Outdoor
Murfreesboro programming will naturally be enhanced and diversified, while attracting
more awareness to the Wilderness Station from all over the state. Mr. Miller asked how
many people could attend each session. Ms. Hopkins said 20 would be the maximum
allowed. Dr. Bonner made a motion to approve staff’s request to establish the Wilderness
Station as a new chapter of the TNP. Mr. Ricky Turner seconded the motion, and motion
passed by unanimous vote.
Ms. Vonchelle Stembridge gave a recap of Bradley Academy Museum and Cultural
Center’s Juneteenth Celebration, held for three days this year, June 17-19. The
celebration included an art exhibit at MTSU’s Al Gore Center, where the City partnered
with MTSU, Girl Scouts, Rutherford County and Murfreesboro City Schools with a “I Am
True Black” theme. The exhibit will run through August 31st. An Authors’ Night kicked off
the 3-day celebration of Juneteenth, where a variety of genres were covered, including
children’s books, nonfiction, and self-help. Also, Read to Succeed gave away free copies
of the book, Stamped, to encourage the community to join in with their annual book
challenge. A panel discussion will take place at a later date. Youth Night was on the
second night of the celebration, where there was live music, and representatives from the
Rutherford County Health Department provided Covid information and tips to stay safe.
Ms. Stembridge mentioned that each day of the event was bigger than the day before,
with the large event on June 19th being three times bigger than in past years. She further
said there were 59 vendors this year, as compared to 20-30 in other years. Additionally,
there were numerous volunteers, including Delta Sigma Theta (who helped with the first
Juneteenth celebration locally in 2003), dignitaries, representatives from Murfreesboro
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Fire and Rescue Department, Murfreesboro Police Department, and Friends of Bradley.
The event also included interactives, a kid zone (manned by Patterson’s Youth
Development group), a bookmobile, and a step performance by a local fraternity. A
Frederick Douglas descendent, Kevin D. Green, a colored troop reenactor, put on a skit
the second day of activities, where he educated patrons about the colored troops. Ms.
Stembridge encouraged everyone to note on their calendars the next Juneteenth
celebration, which is set for June 16-18, 2022.
Ms. Hailey Meyer, Outdoor Murfreesboro Assistant Program Coordinator, requested
approval for three proposed programs to be held at the Wilderness Station: a 3-day Mini
Rangers Camp (ages 3-4 for $30), Kids’ Day Out (a 6-hour Saturday program for ages 7-
13 for $50), and a free Winter Solstice Party for all ages, which will include a band for
entertainment. Ms. Meyer mentioned that a version of the Mini Rangers Camp was held
in the spring and was “wildly popular.” Mr. Martin made a motion to approve the three
programs and their fees as described, and Mr. LaLance seconded. Motion passed by
unanimous vote.
Ms. Gernell Jenkins gave a Patterson Community Center update. She announced that
Patterson held a summer enrichment program for kids 8-12 years old, which averaged 75
kids a day. Crystal Ellis-McFerrin and Derek Blake led the successful program for the
kids, where there were structured, recreational activities provided throughout the summer,
as well as free breakfast and lunch through a partnership with Murfreesboro City Schools.
The program’s participants were able to enjoy a variety of fun field trips and activities,
locally and out-of-town.
Ms. Jenkins said that Patterson has a big day coming up on August 7th from 10:00 a.m.-
1:00 p.m. where there will be a Back-to-School Drive-through Giveaway of socks, school
supplies, and other helpful items for kids going to school in the fall. Then, at 5:00 p.m.,
Patterson will host an old-school Block Party in the parking lot where Darryl Jaye will be
playing music from the 70s, 80s and 90s. There will be lots to do at the event, and the
day’s last event will be a free movie on the Patterson multipurpose field starting at 8:00
p.m. Ms. Jenkins added that staff has strategically worked with the Murfreesboro Police
Department “to ensure that all safety protocols are met” for the crowd.
Ms. Jenkins thanked the entire Patterson staff for their help at the center all summer since
the regular center programming was held in addition to the enrichment program. Ms.
Jenkins announced that Patterson’s next Muddy-Vator training was set August 9 through
September 30, 2021, and would be led by Roger Brady, who has expertise in Muddy-
Vator training, being a Muddy-Vator athlete himself with high honors from competitions
he has participated in across the nation and in world events. Patterson considers him
their “Super Hero.” Ms. Jenkins next introduced Ms. Cindy Shadrick, who has 30 years’
experience teaching adult and youth fitness classes on the ground and in water. Ms.
Jenkins announced that Ms. Shadrick has another toddler physical education class
beginning August 10, 2021. Ms. Jenkins further said that Patterson stays busy, and that
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her update was complete. Mr. Miller asked if the pool had been busy as well this summer.
Ms. Jenkins said this summer’s pool attendance almost tripled compared to other
summers.
Mr. Miller presented the Murfreesboro Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes from
June 2, 2021, which included one change by Ms. Hughes prior to today’s meeting. Dr.
Bonner made a motion to approve the minutes as read. Mr. LaLance seconded, and
motion passed by unanimous vote.
Mr. Ricky Turner asked why the annual National Night Out (NNO) celebration was not in
August like it has been in the past. Mr. Williams stated that due to logistics, the event is
scheduled for October 5, 2021, which will give staff and volunteers more time to prepare
for it. Mr. Turner asked how many locations would hold the NNO. He thought one or two
locations would be more beneficial to the public than holding it at numerous locations.
Mr. Williams said that staff is considering Patterson and McFadden. Mr. Leroy
Cunningham asked for a brief description of NNO. Mr. Thomas Laird said that 20 plus
years ago, police across the nation were looking for fun ways to get involved in
neighborhoods. The NNO was developed as an annual community event to allow police
and residents to gather together for food, fun, activities, and music. It started off being
held on the second Tuesday of every August across the U.S., but some places, like
Texas, have picked cooler months to hold their NNO celebrations. City staff wants to try
a cooler month this year as well.
Mr. Miller asked if there were any other business to discuss since the agenda had been
covered. Dr. Bonner complimented the July 4th fireworks show and said that it was well-
attended by the public, with all parking spots along Medical Center Parkway being taken
prior to the show. Mr. Don Turner mentioned that the City’s youth golf program at
Bloomfield Acres is doing well and staying very busy. He added that if any kids want to
play at Bloomfield Acres, they can do so for free. Mr. Laird added that Ms. Emily Miller
and Ms. Megan Brewer have been giving golf lessons to Special Olympics athletes, youth
and adults, who will be competing in the local tournament soon. Mr. Turner and Mr. Laird
agreed that Emily and Megan are both great pros, and very good with the Special
Olympics’ athletes and general public.
Mr. Cunningham asked if there was a detailed report indicating monies spent on Covid
mitigations in 2020. Mr. Williams said that he can get that information for him but did not
want to try to guess. Mr. Laird said that since patrons were not allowed in the facilities
for a while, staff’s duties were reassigned to help with deep cleaning at the facilities. Mr.
Williams added that the MPRD outdoor spaces remained open during the building
closures because the public needed somewhere to exercise. The trails and parks were
heavily used. Also, Mr. Williams mentioned that a lot of people who had been unaware
of the department’s outdoor spaces before the pandemic got a glimpse of what is
available with MPRD, and the department has gained a lot of new patrons. Mr. Williams
said that he would try to get a rough estimate together as soon as possible regarding
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COVID expenditures. Mr. Miller said that the public is blessed to have so many
opportunities available through MPRD.
Being no more business, the meeting was adjourned.
Meeting adjourned: 12:55 p.m.
Minutes approved:
_____________________________ __________________________________
Eddie Miller, MPRC Chair Nate Williams, MPRD Director
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Agenda
MURFREESBORO PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION AGENDA
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 4, 2021 12:00 NOON
Call to Order
Prayer and Pledge
Consider for Approval the Minutes of the June 2, 2021, Murfreesboro Parks and
Recreation Commission meeting.
New Business
I. FY 20/21 Revenue and Expenditure Reports
II. Introduction of Cultural Arts Facility Coordinator
III. Consider for Approval Frightensburgh Classes
IV. Consider for Approval Central Valley Disc Golf Course
V. Consider for Approval Murfreesboro Indigenous Plant Project Nursery
License
VI. Consider for Approval Tennessee Naturalist Program Chapter for Wilderness
Station
VII. Consider for Approval Three Programs for Wilderness Station
VIII. Juneteenth Recap
IX. Patterson Park Community Center Updates
Other Business
MURFREESBORO PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 2, 2021 12:00 NOON
MPRC Members Present: Mr. Eddie Miller, MPRC Chair
Dr. Charlie Apigian, Dr. Gloria Bonner,
Mr. Leroy Cunningham, Mr. Trey Duke, Mr. Rick LaLance,
Mr. Ronnie Martin, Mr. Tim Roediger (Vice-Chair), and
Mr. Don Turner (ex-officio)
MPRC Members Absent: Mr. Ricky Turner
MPRD Staff Present: Mr. Thomas Laird and Ms. Rachel Singer (Asst. Directors)
Mr. Gary Arbit, Ms. Brittany Garrett, Ms. Mitzi Hughes,
Mr. Mark Owens, and Ms. Melinda Tate
After Mr. Eddie Miller called the meeting to order, Dr. Bonner congratulated Mr. Trey Duke
on his doctorate. He thanked her. Dr. Bonner then led everyone in a prayer and in the
Pledge of Allegiance. The minutes of the April 7, 2021, Murfreesboro Parks and
Recreation Commission (MPRC) meeting were next presented for approval. Dr. Bonner
made a motion to approve the minutes as read. Mr. LaLance seconded. Motion passed
by unanimous vote.
Ms. Brittany Garrett presented for approval a new department Lost and Found Policy.
Currently, the various Murfreesboro Parks and Recreation Department (MPRD) facilities
have their own policies. The policy presented today will be uniform throughout the
department. Mr. LaLance made a motion to approve the Lost and Found Policy as
proposed. Dr. Bonner seconded, and motion passed by unanimous vote.
Mr. Gary Arbit requested to adjust summer and winter weekend hours for the Adams
Tennis Complex to better accommodate patrons. The new winter schedule would be:
Saturdays 8:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. and Sundays 11:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. The new summer
schedule would be Saturdays 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. and Sundays 11:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
The new hours are proposed to start on June 6, 2021, if approved by the MPRC. Mr.
Martin made a motion to approve the new ATC weekend hours. Mr. LaLance
seconded. Motion passed by unanimous vote.
Mr. Arbit also requested to streamline outstanding ATC membership balances to allow
staff to collect membership funds faster and to avoid “large, outstanding membership
balances every month.” Staff would like to streamline payments over four consecutive
months. This change would begin on July 1, 2021, with the commission’s approval. Mr.
Cunningham asked if the staff had any idea how the members will react to the change.
Mr. Arbit said some patrons have heard of the idea. Staff will give them notice if the
payment process is approved today. Dr. Apigian asked how the payments are done now
as compared with the proposed payment plan. Mr. Arbit said the members have been
paying $100 to join and then $50 per month over the next 10 months until the membership
fee is paid. The new plan would involve just four payments of $150 each. Mr. LaLance
pointed out that the membership fee will not change, only the time span for payments.
Mr. Arbit agreed. Mr. Roediger made a motion to approve the streamlined payment plan
for the ATC memberships. Mr. Cunningham seconded. Motion passed by unanimous
vote.
Mr. Laird announced that MPRD would like permission to host the 2022 Miracle League
All-Star Games, which will consist of athletes with disabilities from all over the country.
Murfreesboro was scheduled to host the games in 2021, but the pandemic put plans on
hold until 2022. Mr. Laird explained that hosting the event will give Murfreesboro Miracle
League a chance to show how its league is run. He said that all Miracle Leagues across
the country are not run the same as in Murfreesboro, where there is a video board
showing photos of each player and a walk-up song for each player. Music is played
before and after the games each week, along with music between innings, to keep the
atmosphere exciting for the players. Mr. Laird added that four cities who would like to
build their own Miracle Fields have consulted with MPRD since the Murfreesboro Miracle
League Complex was built.
Mr. Laird informed the commission that there will be costs to host the 2022 Miracle
League All-Star Games. He said that City staff, including Ms. Kelley Baker, Assistant City
Attorney, has been working on an agreement with representatives of the National Miracle
League to designate costs for the City and costs for them for the 2022 event. Mr. Laird
said that the City would be responsible for housing, transportation, event activities, a
banquet, and gift bags. The National Miracle League will be responsible for uniforms and
awards. Mr. LaLance asked when the event would be in 2022. Mr. Laird said it is
scheduled for the second weekend in September 2022. Mr. Roediger asked the
approximate costs involved for the City to host. Mr. Laird said it would be around $50,000
but added that there are funds already earmarked to cover that amount through David
Price’s Project One Four, which has done a great job setting the league up to sustain
itself for many years down the road. Mr. Laird also mentioned that a local committee is
being set up to raise funds toward the City’s total amount due so that the already
earmarked funds can be saved and used for other league expenses. Mr. Roediger asked
if hosting the Miracle League All-Star games would be a one-time event. Mr. Laird said
that the All-Star games are being held in Houston this year and that out of about 100
Miracle Leagues across the country, currently only 67 are big enough to host the event.
He further said that the National Miracle League likes to move the event around, and that
Murfreesboro might not have the opportunity for another 10-20 years.
Mr. Cunningham asked if the local fund-raising committee were currently operational. Mr.
Laird stated that a group had met once to start selecting committee members, which
should be figured out by their next scheduled meeting on July 27th. The group is also
planning to create sponsorship packages and a donor wall for the event. Mr. Cunningham
asked if the MPRC could be updated on the progress after the committee meets. Mr.
Laird said that as soon as the committee has anything to report, he’ll be sure to inform
the MPRC. Mr. LaLance clarified that the MPRC is being asked to approve the agreement
between the City and the National Miracle League with the understanding that there will
be costs for the City, not all known at this time. Mr. Laird said that was correct and
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reminded him that there is already funding available through existing donations, and
additional donations are expected through Project One Four.
Mr. Miller asked if there were a motion to approve allowing MPRD to host the Miracle
League All-Star Games in 2022. Mr. Roediger made a motion to approve hosting the All-
Star Games as explained. Dr. Bonner seconded. Motion passed by unanimous vote.
Mr. Mark Owens, St. Clair Senior Center Superintendent, informed the commission of the
proposed Open House for the Senior Center on June 24, 2021, from 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
For the event, there will be door prizes, facility tours, current and future activities and
programs announced, and lunch, plus instructors and center staff available to answer
questions regarding the facility and what it has to offer. Mr. Owens invited the commission
members to stop by to see what is offered at the center on the Open House day. He also
mentioned that St. Clair regularly offers numerous free programs and events for
individuals 60 and over. Mr. Roediger made a motion to approve the Open House as
described. Dr. Bonner seconded, and motion passed by unanimous vote.
Mr. Bart Fite, McKnight Park Superintendent, said that Sports Com had been open since
1987, with construction costs of 2.7 million. He said that the facility was 30,000 square
feet at that time, with another 800-1,000 square feet added in recent renovations. Mr.
Fite mentioned that the outdoor pool is 50 meters or 25 yards (depending on the setup at
the time of use), and the indoor pool is 25 yards X 20 yards. He said that with all the 2020
Covid restrictions, the Sports Com staff took advantage of the closing and made sure the
facility was thoroughly cleaned and disinfected. Also, staff used the available time for
various trainings, such as lifeguard certification, customer service training, and Verbal
Judo Training (conducted by the Murfreesboro Police Department) in which staff was
taught ways to try to deal with irate and difficult customers.
Mr. Fite announced that staff has been happy to see so many patrons coming back into
the facility. He said summer camps will be offered at Sports Com this summer, including
five Sports Camps, three babysitters’ camps, two guard start camps, a cheer camp, and
a volleyball camp. He further said Spring Fling was a big success with people everywhere
out there. He complimented TSSAA for getting all the games in this year, and he
mentioned that the media headquarters was stationed inside Sports Com.
Mr. Fite next explained the Boro Beach (Sports Com’s outdoor pool) situation. He said
that due to slower and slower draining in the wet locker rooms, it was found that the old
cast iron pipes, which had been installed during Sports Com’s construction, were in bad
shape, being all brittle and breaking. The City decided to replace all the old piping with
PVC, but the work is taking longer than first expected. The construction superintendent
says his crew is doing all that he can, working 10 to 12-hour days, and even on some
Saturdays. Staff hopes to open as soon as possible for the patrons. The Sports Com
staff does, however, plan to accommodate four groups at the outdoor pool before the pool
is open to the public. The Sports Camp kids, swim team, lap swimmers, and aquatic
exercise class patrons will be able to use Boro Beach, with a special route to the outdoor
pool being set up in order to keep people out of the wet locker rooms. Mr. Fite added that
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when Boro Beach is ready to open to the public, the news will be advertised in the local
newspaper and on social media. The department hopes the outdoor pool will open soon.
Ms. Melinda Tate announced some of the many upcoming MPRD programs and events.
She said that the Murfreesboro Football League was taking registration now, online and
in person, for youth ages 5-13. Sports Com’s free online fitness classes are still being
offered on Sports Com’s Facebook page. Ms. Tate said that the Movies Under the Stars
program will begin next week with a new movie being shown each week this summer.
Movies will begin at 8:30 and are scheduled as follows: Mondays at Barfield Crescent
Park; Thursdays at Richard Siegel Park; Fridays at Cason Trailhead; and Saturdays at
the Fountains at Gateway. The full list of movies may be found on the City’s website and
on Facebook. Also announced was the upcoming Juneteenth celebration to be held on
three days this year, June 17 (5:30-7:30 p.m.) with Author’s Night; June 18 (4:00-7:30
p.m.) Art Exhibition; and then on June 19 (10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.) at Bradley Academy
Museum and Cultural Center where there will be food, music, and activities. Guardians
of the Greenway (a greenway cleanup program) is still active, and staff would appreciate
help from anyone interested.
Further, Ms. Tate mentioned that there were some MPRD summer camps with openings.
Online and in-person registration (at Sports Com, Patterson, and the main MPRD office)
are available. The Half Marathon’s registration opened yesterday, June 2nd, at 6:00 a.m.
The actual event will be on October 9th, starting at 7:00 a.m., with a 1,500-participant
limit. Three splash-outs for kids 12 and under are scheduled for June 24th (Richard Siegel
Park); July 8th (Barfield Crescent Park); and July 22nd (Old Fort Park) from 1:30-3:00 each
date. The Murfreesboro Fire and Rescue Department will spray the kids and help them
have a great time. Water shoes and swimsuits are recommended, and a parent or
guardian will be required with each child. The annual Boat Day is set for June 26th at the
Manson Pike Trailhead from 9:00 a.m.-noon where there will be instructors available to
show people how to use different types of watercraft. Ms. Tate explained that the Barfield
Hiking Marathon is an activity where participants can hike a total of 26.2 miles throughout
the month of July at the Barfield Crescent Park (on the honor system) and earn a t-shirt
for doing so, if they register for the marathon online or in person. The cost is $15 per
person.
The City Fireworks show will be held July 4th beginning at 9:00 p.m. on Medical Center
Parkway. Spectators can park along that road and in the area to see the show. St. Clair
Senior Center’s patrons have an art exhibit in the City Hall Rotunda going on now through
June 24th. A virtual tour will be available on June 11th as well. Ms. Tate also announced
the Murfreesboro City Job Fair that will be held at McFadden Community Center June 7th
from 1:00-4:00 p.m. for anyone interested in Murfreesboro government jobs. Ms. Tate
reminded everyone that all MPRD’s current and upcoming programs and events are listed
on the City’s website under the Parks and Recreation link and said that there is an
interactive calendar of MPRD happenings on the website for their convenience. People
can just click on a date and see everything there is for that day. Fifteen MPRD Facebook
pages are available as well with various department divisions and their activities listed.
Mr. Miller thanked Ms. Tate for her update and said that MPRD has a great staff which
offers all these exciting programs and activities.
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Mr. Don Turner, who also serves on the City’s Golf Commission, announced that Old Fort
Golf Course is wide open now. He said a lot of new people started playing golf during
2020’s COVID-19 epidemic and that it is actually hard to get tee times sometimes these
days. He additionally said that kids up through age 17 can play golf for free on a 6-hole
course at the Bloomfield Acres. He said that PGA Pro Scott Stallings, the Tennessee
Golf Association, private donors, and other sponsors help pay for the kids to play. He
hopes to get the word spread of the free program.
Being no more business, the meeting was adjourned.
Meeting Adjourned: 12:43 p.m.
Minutes Approved:
_______________________________ ________________________________
Eddie Miller, MPRC Chair Nate Williams, MPRD Director
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July 28, 2021
For Murfreesboro Parks and Recreation Commission:
RE: Frightensburgh Classes
As an item for the agenda of August 4, 2021, it is recommended that the Frightensburgh
classes be approved.
Background
Frightensburgh was created last year to compensate for the changes because of Covid.
It was a great success. We would like to offer more participation in the community to
participate in the scare factor. This will be a fun and educational class that will enable
the participants to audition to perform at the Frightensburgh event hosted in October.
Fiscal Impact
This class will have a $25.00 participation fee and a $50.00 supply fee, which will
include a Frightensburgh t-shirt.
Recommendation
It is recommended that the commission approve the Frightensburgh classes.
Susan M. Hicks
Cultural Arts Supervisor
Murfreesboro Parks and Recreation Department
697 Veterans Parkway * P.O. Box 748 * Murfreesboro, Tennessee 37133-0748
Phone 615 890 5333 * TDD 615 849 2689 * www.murfreesborotn.gov
. . . creating a better quality of life
July 28, 2021
For Murfreesboro Parks and Recreation Commission:
RE: New Disc Golf Course at Central Valley Trailhead
As an item for the agenda of August 4, 2021, approval is requested for installation of a
permanent 18-hole Disc Golf Course at Central Valley Trailhead.
Background
Disc Golf is played much like traditional golf except, instead of a ball and clubs, players use a
flying disc. Barfield Crescent Park opened its disc golf course in 2001, and it has been a popular
venue for beginners, enthusiasts, and professional disc golfers now for 20 years. While many
recreation venues were closed during the pandemic, disc golf was one of the few facilities
available for outdoor recreation. As a result, the popularity of the sport has grown tremendously
locally, nationally, and even internationally. The public course at Barfield Crescent Park has
seen a significant increase in users and is typically crowded during peak times. There is a great
need for a new, more challenging course, and the property at 1318 Central Valley Road meets
that need.
Fiscal Impact
The new course will be installed at 1318 Central Valley Road, which is 56 acres of unused land
adjacent to the Greenway Trailhead. City staff has worked with a group of local professional
disc golfers to develop a design and layout for an 18-hole Championship Disc Golf Course. The
clearing and mowing of the fairways have been done in-house by MPRD maintenance staff.
Baskets have been installed, creating a temporary course that locals can begin playing. To make
the course permanent, tee pads, benches and signage need to be added. The tee pads can be built
in-house utilizing surplus synthetic turf from the Richard Siegel Soccer Complex field
renovations. Tee signs and benches can be added and possibly financed through tee sign
sponsorships. All expenses can be absorbed through the normal Parks and Recreation Operating
Budget requiring no additional funding.
Recommendation
To approve the naming and permanent installation of an 18-hole Championship Disc Golf
Course to be called the “Central Valley Disc Golf Course”.
Sincerely,
Thomas Laird
Assistant Director
Murfreesboro Parks and Recreation Department
697 Veterans Parkway * P.O. Box 748 * Murfreesboro, Tennessee 37133-0748
Phone 615 890 5333 * TDD 615 849 2689 * www.murfreesborotn.gov
. . . creating a better quality of life
July 28, 2021
Murfreesboro Parks and Recreation Commission:
RE: Murfreesboro Indigenous Plant Project (MIPP) Nursery License
As an item for the agenda of August 4, 2021, the Outdoor Murfreesboro Natural
Resource Team seeks approval from the Murfreesboro Parks and Recreation
Commission to apply for an Education/Non-Profit Nursery License to sell native plants
produced by the MIPP program.
Background
The Natural Resource Team has set up a small nursery to supply us with native plants
appropriate for our region to include in park installation projects including the native
gardens at the Wilderness Station, bioretention installations, future garden renovation
projects at Murfree Spring, and other future planned projects.
It is our intent, as part of a major outreach effort to improve environmental degradation,
curb habitat loss, and create habitat corridors in our community, to supply area
residents with appropriate native plant material to utilize in their yards. Planting native
plants at home is an easy and necessary way to support pollinators and songbirds, and
to reintroduce ecosystem services back into the landscape.
To be able to sell these plants to the community and accomplish these goals, the MIPP
program requires a license from the TN Dept of Agriculture.
Fiscal Impact
Education/Non-Profit Nursery License: Free, renews annually.
Anticipated income from seasonal plant sales: $5,000 annually
Recommendation
It is recommended that the Murfreesboro Parks and Recreation Commission approve
the requisition of a nursery license.
Murfreesboro Parks and Recreation Department
697 Veterans Parkway * P.O. Box 748 * Murfreesboro, Tennessee 37133-0748
Phone 615 890 5333 * TDD 615 849 2689 * www.murfreesborotn.gov
. . . creating a better quality of life
July 29, 2021
For Murfreesboro Parks and Recreation Commission:
RE: Tennessee Naturalist Program Chapter at Wilderness Station
As an item for the agenda of August 4, 2021, Outdoor Murfreesboro seeks approval from
the Murfreesboro Parks and Recreation Commission to establish the Wilderness Station
as a chapter of the Tennessee Naturalist Program and lead the TNP curriculum at the
Wilderness Station at Barfield Park.
Background
The Tennessee Naturalist Program is a statewide non-profit organization that has 10
chapters established at various environmentally focused facilities across the state of
Tennessee. Their mission is to teach Tennesseans about our natural world, inspire the
desire to learn more, instill an appreciation of responsible stewardship, and channel
volunteer efforts towards education and conservation. The TNP course consists of 10 to
11 4-hour classes of various natural history topics including TN birds, TN mammals,
forest-types, aquatic ecology, geology, etc. taught by experts in the field. Students
receive 40 hours of instruction and conduct 40 hours of volunteer service to become
certified Tennessee Naturalists.
Each chapter is a separate entity and administers the course at its own facility. TNP sets
the registration cost, runs all registration and fees through their system, purchases
student supplies and shares the profit 50/50 with the chapter. The chapter organization
pays any requested instructor honoraria and provides staff for a chapter coordinator.
As a facility within Parks that has promoted Environmental Education, Stewardship, and
Conservation for the past 21 years, the Outdoor Murfreesboro team feels strongly that
the mission of TNP and the mission of Outdoor Murfreesboro is in perfect alignment. The
addition of this all adult, expert-led, higher education course will enhance and diversify
existing programming and bring statewide awareness to the Wilderness Station and all it
has to offer through this partnership with a well-known and established program.
Who: Adults
Maximum Participants: 20
What: 10-11 classes focused on the natural history of Tennessee over a multiple month
period.
When: Sept. 2, 2021 - May 12, 2022; most classes are 4 - 8:30 pm with a few
exceptions.
Where: Wilderness Station
Cost $250, registration fee set by the Tennessee Naturalist Program.
Assistant Program Coordinator, Hailey Meyer will coordinate the chapter.
Fiscal Impact
Anticipated income: $2500
Recommendation
It is recommended that the Murfreesboro Parks and Recreation Commission approve
the creation of a TNP chapter and implementation of the course curriculum at the
Wilderness Station at Barfield Park.
Murfreesboro Parks and Recreation Department
697 Veterans Parkway * P.O. Box 748 * Murfreesboro, Tennessee 37133-0748
Phone 615 890 5333 * TDD 615 849 2689 * www.murfreesborotn.gov
07/29/2021
For Murfreesboro Parks and Recreation Commission:
Re: New Program Price Points
As an item for the agenda of August 4, 2021, it is recommended that the Commission
approve new price points for Outdoor Murfreesboro programs.
Background
Outdoor Murfreesboro staff would like to offer several programs with new price points.
-Mini Rangers Camp is for children ages 3 and 4 from 9:00-11:30 a.m. for three days in
a row. The cost would be $30 for the 3-day camp. That cost includes all craft materials,
use of our equipment, a daily snack, and a campfire lunch one day.
-Kids Day Out is a 6-hour Saturday program with a cost of $50. The program includes 6
hours of childcare for harried parents, during which time the kids will enjoy meeting our
live animal ambassadors, hiking, shooting archery, and having a provided campfire
lunch.
-Winter Solstice Party would be a free public program, but we will need to hire a band
for the evening entertainment.
Fiscal Impact
These programs are fairly priced and will be popular, adding increased revenue. The
Winter Solstice Party will cost money for the entertainment but will provide a wonderful
experience for the people of Murfreesboro.
Recommendation
It is recommended that the commission approve these new programs and price points
for Outdoor Murfreesboro programs.
Hailey Moss
Assistant Program Coordinator-Outdoor Murfreesboro
Murfreesboro Parks and Recreation Department
697 Veterans Parkway * P.O. Box 748 * Murfreesboro, Tennessee 37133-0748
Phone 615 890 5333 * TDD 615 849 2689 * www.murfreesborotn.gov
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