The extension of the Stones River Greenway from Old Fort Park to Barfield Crescent Park is divided into four phases. Phases One and Two bring the trail past the Cason Trailhead to state Route 99 (Salem Highway). 

Phase Three will connect to the point where the middle fork splits from the west fork of Stones River and Phase Four will connect the trail to Barfield-Crescent Park.

Phase Three, which could open as early as this summer, will add one mile to the system, bringing the total to 12 miles of what has been called one of the premier trail systems in the state.

The trees slated for removal or trimming are in and around approximately a quarter-mile of Phase Two, Murfreesboro Parks and Recreation Department Assistant Director Angela Jackson explained, and, since access to Phase Three must be made safe in order to open the next to last phase of the project, the tree project must be completed first.

Phase Two is three miles of 13-feet-wide trail, a large trailhead with pavilions and restroom, two overlooks, several boardwalk sections, a major bridge crossing of the Stones River, a smaller bridge, fencing, entry signage and landscaping.

Phase Three adds one mile of 13-feet-wide trail and one overlook, fencing, and landscaping.

 “Phase Two has trees that have to be removed or trimmed before we can safely open the trail,” she said.. “Phase Three, the new section, is almost ready to go but the only approved way to access it is through Phase Two.”

Bids for the tree removal were opened March 7 in city hall, Jackson added, and Cooks Trees, Landscaping, and Irrigation was selected to do the work for $38,500.

Since then, stormy weather has stymied the project, Jackson said. Though much remains to be done, with any luck, the tree removal and trimming project can proceed so the new trail can be opened in early June.

During the tree removal and trimming process, Jackson asks patrons for their patience while this project is underway. As it continues, off-limits sections of the trail will be marked.

“Before the tree trimming and removal project is complete,” the assistant director said, “we’re asking for everyone’s cooperation in staying off the closed areas.

“They are closed for your safety,” she added, “and we will be working hard to get them open as soon as we can.”

 The new extensions follow the west fork of the Stones River and include an overlook of Farmer Lake, the assistant director said.

“This new extension is the third of a four-phase project that will ultimately bring the trail to Barfield Crescent Park on the city’s southern edge. 

“The final two and a half miles will be constructed in the next couple of years,” she said, “and that, along with the other phases, will be a significant addition to Murfreesboro’s system of trails.

“We are very proud of the Murfreesboro Greenway System,” Jackson said, “and we are looking forward to opening this newest section.”