Parks and Recreation Commission
Regular MeetingMurfreesboro, TN · November 3, 2021
Minutes
MURFREESBORO PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2021 12:00 NOON
MPRC Members Present: Mr. Eddie Miller, Chair
Dr. Gloria Bonner, Mr. Leroy Cunningham, Mr. Ronnie Martin,
Mr. Tim Roediger, Vice-Chair, Mr. Ricky Turner, and
Mr. Don Turner, ex officio
MPRC Members Absent: Mr. Trey Duke and Mr. Rick LaLance
MPRD Staff Present: Mayor Shane McFarland (for award presentations)
Mr. Nate Williams, Director
Mr. Jim Davis (for awards presentations)
Mr. Thomas Laird and Ms. Rachel Singer, Asst. Directors
Mr. Gary Arbit, Mr. Bart Fite, Ms. Brittany Garrett,
Ms. Laura Grissom, Ms. Susan Hicks, Ms. Mitzi Hughes,
Dr. Gernell Jenkins, Mr. Mark Owens, and Mr. Mark Saltalamachia
Other(s) Present: Ms. Katie Driver, City Staff Attorney
After Mr. Eddie Miller called the meeting to order, Dr. Gloria Bonner led everyone in a prayer
and in the Pledge of Allegiance. She also welcomed one of her former students, Mr. Mark
Saltalamachia, to the meeting.
Mr. Williams announced that staff was happy to have Mayor McFarland at the meeting to help
present MPRD’s recently earned Tennessee Recreation and Parks Association awards. Mr.
Williams said that the number of awards being offered this year were less than in past years
and that the ones awarded to MPRD this time mean even more due to that.
Awards were as follows:
1) Marketing Award – Melinda Tate (not present) – Accepted by Rachel Singer
2) Arts Award – Priscilla Murray for mural project at McFadden
3) Award of Excellence – Kristin Hopkins – for outstanding resource management
4) Maynard Glenn Award – Mark Owens (Senior Center) for most outstanding recreation
program of the year
5) Wayne Hansard Award – Jason Lowe for demonstrating excellence in maintenance of
parks, facilities, and/or grounds
6) Donald H. Stanton Award – Patterson Community Center for community center
determined to have had the best overall program – Accepted by Gernell Jenkins
7) Wellness Award – Laura Grissom – for her focus on physical activity, fitness, and
wellness programs, policies, and activities at the Senior Center
8) Public Relations Award – to MPRD for theme “Do More of What Makes You Happy” –
accepted by Rachel Singer for Melinda Tate
Mr. Miller said that the hard work of all the staff shows and that MPRD’s parks and facilities are
second to none.
Mr. Miller next presented the Murfreesboro Parks and Recreation Commission minutes from
the August 4, 2021, meeting. Mr. Ronnie Martin made a motion to approve the minutes as
read. Dr. Bonner seconded, and motion passed by unanimous vote.
Mr. Bart Fite, McKnight Park Superintendent, presented for approval the annual Buy One, Get
One Free monthly and yearly pass deals for Sports Com and Patterson Community Center,
which are to run December 13, 2021 – January 16, 2022. Mr. Fite explained that due to Covid,
Sports Com and Patterson both took big hits in 2020. He added that staff at both facilities
worked with patrons on a case-to-case basis to get their pass dates extended due to the
pandemic in order for them to use the facilities as intended. Mr. Fite informed the commission
of several popular events held at McKnight Park (where Sports Com is located). He said that
a Bacon Festival and Fall Festival were recently held, as well as ongoing Miracle League
games and various other ball games and tournaments. Also, the annual Puppy Plunge was
held in September with over 200 dogs present. Mr. Fite announced that the annual Customer
Appreciation Day at Sports Com was set for December 10, 2021, from 9:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m.,
and he invited all the commission members to stop by Sports Com to join in. He further invited
everyone to attend the Polar Bear Plunge on Saturday, January 8, 2022, at the Sports Com
Outdoor Pool, Boro Beach. Mr. Fite mentioned that festivities before the plunge would be held
in the Sports Com Gym starting at 8:30 a.m., with the actual plunge at 10:00 a.m. Mr. Fite
provided a revenue report for the holiday specials from past years and a list with facility prices
for the commission to review at their convenience. Mr. Miller thanked Mr. Fite for his
information and asked if there were a motion to approve the new BOGO sale for this season.
Dr. Bonner made a motion to approve the BOGO sale as requested, and Mr. Tim Roediger
seconded. Motion passed by unanimous vote.
Changes to the Adams Tennis Complex (ATC) nonmember daily fee and nonmember court
bookings were requested by Mr. Gary Arbit on behalf of ATC staff. Mr. Arbit explained that the
daily nonmember guest fee at the ATC is currently $10.00, with the opportunity for nonmembers
to book courts seven days a week. Staff would like to increase the nonmember guest fee to
$15.00 per day and limit their bookings to Friday through Sunday. Mr. Arbit stated that the
overall value for members would be increased if members could book courts exclusively
Monday-Thursday each week, without having to compete with nonmembers for courts. Staff
would like the changes to be implemented January 3, 2022, after the public is notified.
Mr. Cunningham asked if nonmembers could just walk into the facility and book a court. Mr.
Arbit said that courts are not available for them to do that. He added that many nonmembers
currently book courts before members can. He also mentioned that with the booking changes,
nonmembers could still use a court on weekdays if they are guests of a member who has
booked a court.
Mr. Roediger asked what the annual ATC membership fees were and the number of members.
Mr. Arbit said: $600 for family; $450 for individuals; and $250 for college, youth, and military
patrons, with close to 900 members. Mr. Martin asked if weekend rentals were more intense.
Mr. Arbit said that Mondays through Thursdays were actually busier. Mr. Cunningham asked
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if there had been any discussions about expanding the facility. Mr. Arbit said that there have
been some discussions, but any expansions would probably be 5 – 10 years off. Mr. Nate
Williams said that staff is currently trying to manage the supply and demand issues and boost
the value of the memberships. Mr. Williams also mentioned that 24 outdoor tennis courts are
available at Old Fort Park for nonmembers to use for free if they cannot get courts Monday-
Thursday at the ATC.
Mr. Cunningham asked if staff had any idea how the nonmembers will react to the changes.
Mr. Arbit said that staff hopes they’ll become members, although there will probably be some
pushback. He further said that staff hopes to alleviate the members’ complaints about not being
able to reserve courts during the week and that the nonmembers will take advantage of the
weekend slots. Mr. Martin asked how many indoor courts there were. Mr. Arbit said there are
eight.
Mr. Roediger asked who the ATC was competing with and if Mr. Arbit’s request does not pass,
does staff foresee losing memberships. Mr. Laird said there isn’t any competition right now.
Mr. Williams explained that the facility will risk losing memberships if members cannot acquire
courts. Mr. Laird said nonmembers also have opportunities to use the ATC through clinics and
lessons and that most of the nonmembers are from out of town and use the facility once or
twice a week. Mr. Roediger did not think it was a good idea to restrict court time for
nonmembers and raise their guest fee 50%. Mr. Cunningham again suggested that discussions
to expand the facility be considered. Mr. Williams said that the City could probably double the
courts and still have the same issue.
Mr. Williams went on to explain that the ATC staff works to help the members gain the value of
their memberships and that the ATC was set up under a business model to encourage families
to buy memberships. It was not set up to be a pay-as-you-come facility. Mr. Williams stressed
that staff believes the best balance at this moment for the ATC would be to limit the nonmember
court booking days and increase their daily guest fee, which should boost the value of
memberships by allowing members seven days to book courts. He further explained that the
ATC staff does a tremendous job of being pulled different directions because they must work
with MTSU staff, a number of tennis pros, and the public.
Mr. Laird said that several area tennis facilities, in Franklin and Nashville, have closed over the
last few years, and many of their former patrons are now using the ATC, which is “the best
game in town.” Mr. Laird informed the commission that the reason the doors closed at the
other facilities is because they did not have a sound business model. Mr. Laird announced
that the gold standard for tennis is $100,000 per court, which the ATC meets. He further
mentioned that there are only four facilities in the country that meet that standard, which comes
from being member driven. He also said that when the ATC first opened, most patrons were
members. The recent influx of out-of-town tennis players is keeping the current ATC members
from getting courts when needed. Mr. Laird shared that staff tries “to preserve the integrity of
the facility and the business model created (by City staff and the Tennis Committee) while
providing incentives for members and opportunities for nonmembers to use the ATC.”
Mr. Cunningham suggested a tiered fee schedule for the ATC with out-of-town patrons paying
more. Mr. Williams said that staff is currently discussing such a scenario and does have
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instances across the department already where fees are discounted to City residents. Mr.
Cunningham asked why that wasn’t done when the facilities opened. Mr. Laird explained that
for facilities such as the ATC to be sustainable, they need government backing and
memberships. He also stated that staff and City representatives visited various tennis facilities
around the country before the ATC opened, and the ATC based their current business practices
on the best model that they had seen. Mr. Laird said private facilities don’t succeed with only
nonmembers. He further mentioned that the City is in partnerships with MTSU and MTSU
Foundation, which come into play concerning the operation and use of the facility. Mr. Miller
asked what other facilities charge their nonmembers. Mr. Arbit said that nonmember fees in
other facilities range from $10 - $15, and the ATC has charged nonmembers $10 per visit since
its opening. Mr. Roediger asked if they could consider a $10 nonmember fee for city residents
and a $20 fee for noncity residents. Mr. Williams said that he understands the commission
would like fee options to be considered sooner rather than later, and he and staff will try to
have a fee schedule for the commission to review by early 2022.
Mr. Martin said that he appreciated the spirit of conversation today and would be more
concerned about the nonmember changes that are being requested if there were no additional
courts for nonmembers to use. He said as an individual he would be willing to pay a
membership fee to use the ATC if he really wanted to play there and would understand the
restrictions placed on nonmembers for court use.
Mr. Miller asked if there were a motion to accept the court booking changes and fee increase
for nonmembers. Mr. Martin made a motion to approve said requests, but he added that it is a
concern to him to have both changes at the same time. He believes people adapt better to
less changes at once. Mr. Turner seconded. Those voting yes were: Mr. Ronnie Martin, Mr.
Ricky Turner, Dr. Gloria Bonner, Mr. Leroy Cunningham, and Mr. Eddie Miller. Mr. Tim
Roediger opposed the motion. Motion passed by a majority vote.
Ms. Rachel Singer explained that after many years of great parade organizers, MPRD was
taking the lead for the Murfreesboro Christmas Parade this year, with the help of the Exchange
Club, WGNS, and Rutherford County Amateur Radio Emergency Services, and various other
groups. She said that the theme will be “The Spirit of Christmas,” and the parade was
scheduled for December 12th at 2:00 p.m. Those interested in participating in the parade may
register online. Ms. Singer said that staff requested the commission’s approval for a $10 fee
per entry to help offset parade costs. Ms. Singer said that registration for the parade had to
open prior to today’s meeting, and staff is retroactively seeking approval for the entry fee. Dr.
Bonner asked about how many entries are usually in the parade. Ms. Singer said there were
70 or so most years, with 47 entries as of this morning. Dr. Bonner made a motion to approve
the $10 per entry fee for the parade. Mr. Cunningham seconded, and motion passed by
unanimous vote.
Mr. Laird announced that LED lights are now at the six Jordan Farm soccer fields and that
Murfreesboro Soccer Club has been using the fields while turf work is being done at the other
soccer fields. He added that a contract is in the works for a restroom facility to be added at the
Jordan Fields too. Mr. Laird also informed the commission that there is a contract for new
fencing to be added at the McKnight Park 4-field ball complex, including new net backstops
like at the high schools that will allow for good visibility. Further, Mr. Laird mentioned that the
City has advertised to replace the StarPlex playground which is original to the ballpark (about
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25 years old). He added that because of the playground’s unique footprint, staff is using a
different purchasing style this time and has advertised for companies to design a playground
that keeps the feel of the unique footprint. The bid lists a specific amount of money that the
companies must work with. Staff is looking forward to the submittals.
Ms. Susan Hicks, Cultural Arts Coordinator, introduced the new theater Assistant Program
Coordinator, Mr. Mark Saltalamachia. He announced that he had been an educator for over
30 years, working in theater education and as a coach. He added that it was time to get out of
the classroom, but he was looking forward to continuing his work in the theater. Mr.
Saltalamachia said he was excited to be with MPRD and invited everyone to attend “Annie” at
Patterson’s Washington Theatre, November 18-21, 2021, at 7:00 p.m. Thursday – Saturday,
and on the Sunday at 2:00 p.m. He said tickets are $10 each.
Mr. Laird gave the MPRD program/activity update. He said that as usual there is a lot
happening, such as Youth League Basketball signups for kids 5-17 as of December 31, 2021.
Mr. Laird mentioned that there were 160 plus teams before the pandemic year and that staff
always does a good job of matching teams so that competitive teams play each other and
noncompetitive play other noncompetitive teams. Mr. Laird announced that Outdoor
Murfreesboro has numerous programs that are detailed online. Also, Sports Com’s online
fitness classes with Allison Davidson have been ongoing since they started in 2020, and Ms.
Davidson holds a class each Monday at 4:30 p.m. for participants with physical and mental
disabilities. Coming up too will be the Fall Harvest Hayride on November 5th at 2:00 p.m. at
General Bragg Trailhead, a Veterans Day Appreciation Dinner from 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. on
November 11th at Bradley Academy Museum and Cultural Center, and Santa’s Splash and
Dash at Patterson’s pool December 10th from 6:00-9:00 p.m. for kids ages 8-14. Mr. Laird
reminded the commission that the Christmas parade is scheduled for December 12th at 2:00
p.m. and said that the Barfield Crescent Park New Year’s Day 5K registration will open online
on November 15th. Mr. Laird encouraged the commission and public to look at MPRD’s
calendar on the City’s website and see all that is available by clicking on a date or typing in
what they are searching for. He further announced that MPRD’s website is
www.murfreesboroparks.com and that there are Facebook pages for all of MPRD’s facilities.
Mr. Laird added that the department’s program guide, the Rec Connection, has direct links to
listed programs for more information.
Mr. Cunningham asked for a National Night Out update. Ms. Gernell Jenkins said that it was
held on the first Tuesday in October during Fall Break. She explained that there was a good
turnout, about 200, and the community and police were able to have a great time with food and
music, while working together to stand up against violence. Ms. Jenkins added that staff was
looking forward to doing it again next year.
Mr. Williams announced that Ms. Jenkins recently earned a doctorate at MTSU and that the
department always appreciates her value and insight. He commended her for her
accomplishment. Dr. Jenkins thanked him. She also praised Sgt. Amy Norville’s work with the
National Night Out (NNO) and thanked Ms. Susan Hicks for letting NNO announcements be
made in the Patterson Theatre. Dr. Jenkins further said that all other NNO activities/games
were held in the Patterson gyms due to inclement weather. Dr. Jenkins additionally
complimented Mission Barbecue for providing free food for the event.
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Mr. Cunningham also asked for a quick update on this year’s Youth Golf Program. He
specifically wanted to know the number of participants and if the program would be held next
year. Mr. Don Turner said the program was a great success and that staff planned to hold it
again next year. He said he did not know the number of participants but would find out. Mr.
Cunningham additionally wanted to make sure the MPRC had enough notice for its meeting in
January with it being scheduled right after the holidays. He thought it might be hard for
members to get to a January 5th meeting. Mr. Williams said staff could let him know about that.
Mr. Williams had one last announcement for the meeting. He said that the traveling “Wall that
Heals” tour, which exhibits a three-quarter scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in
Washington, D.C., chose Murfreesboro as one of its stops. Mr. Williams invited anyone
interested to visit the exhibit this November 11-14 at Barfield Crescent Park. He said it would
be open 24 hours each of those days.
Being no more business, the meeting was adjourned.
Adjourned: 12:53 p.m.
Meeting Approved:
_________________________________ ____________________________________
Mr. Eddie Miller, MPRC Chair Mr. Nate Williams, MPRD Director
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Agenda
MURFREESBORO PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION AGENDA
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2021 12:00 NOON
Call to Order
Prayer and Pledge
Consider for Approval the Minutes of the August 4, 2021, Murfreesboro Parks and
Recreation Commission meeting.
New Business
I. Presentation of TRPA Awards
II. Buy One, Get One Free Offer for Sports Com / Patterson Community Center
III. Consideration of Changes to Nonmember Daily Fee and Court Bookings at
Adams Tennis Complex
IV. Consideration of Retroactive Approval for Murfreesboro Parade Entry Fee
V. Update on McKnight Park Softball Complex Fence Replacement
VI. Introduction of New Cultural Arts Assistant Program Coordinator
VII. Update on MPRD Programs and Events
Other Business
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
5
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
6
. . . creating a better quality of life
November 1, 2021
Dear Chair and Members of the MPRC:
RE: Nonmember Fee Change and Court Bookings
As an item for the agenda of the November 3, 2021, MPRC meeting, it is recommended
that the following changes to nonmember ATC fees and court bookings be approved.
Background
Currently, the Adams Tennis Complex charges nonmembers a daily guest fee of
$10.00, and nonmembers are able to reserve courts seven days a week.
Staff would like to increase the nonmember daily guest fee to $15.00 and restrict
nonmembers to Friday-Sunday only court bookings.
This would increase the overall value of the membership and give current members
exclusive access to court bookings on Mondays-Thursdays.
Fiscal Impact
There would be a minor increase in revenues with the new nonmember daily fee.
Recommendation
It is recommended that the commission approve the nonmember daily guest fee
increase to $15.00 and the restricted nonmember booking days to Friday-Sunday. The
new fees and booking policy would go into effect immediately upon commission
approval.
Respectfully,
Gary Arbit
Facility Superintendent of ATC
. . . creating a better quality of life
November 1, 2021
Dear Chair and Members of the MPRC:
RE: Murfreesboro Christmas Parade
As an item for the agenda of the November 3rd MPRC meeting, it is recommended that
an application fee for the Murfreesboro Christmas Parade of $10 per entry be approved.
Background
The Murfreesboro Christmas Parade has been a long-standing tradition in town. People
line the streets each December to cheer on and watch vibrant floats, area bands, fancy
cars, and dancing groups parade by. The theme for 2021 will be “The Spirt of
Christmas,” and we will be excited to see how each entry interprets this. This year
Murfreesboro Parks and Recreation will take the lead in organizing and implementing
the parade with help from the Exchange Club, WGNS, and Rutherford County Amateur
Radio Emergency Services, to name a few.
Fiscal Impact
Applicants will pay on-line $10 per entry. This will help to offset the costs associated
with the event.
Recommendation
It is recommended that the commission approve the application fee.
Respectfully,
Rachel Singer
MPRD 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
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