This little tike gets ready to burn up the compeition at MPRD's Small Fry Tri - a triathlon for preschoolers - at last year's race. Photo submitted
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It’s that time of year again.
The birds are singing, the sky is blue (if it’s not raining) and it’s time to get out of the house.
Luckily, Murfreesboro Parks and Recreation Department has plenty to do, and here are the Top 10 (11, but who’s counting anyway) offerings from the people who make play possible.
1. But before we get into the various spring and summer offerings from Parks and Rec, the department wants to hear back from you.
As part of its five-year recreation plan, MPRD is conducting an online survey. The updated plan will be used to guide parks and recreation program improvements and expenditures in Murfreesboro over the next five years.
“We are determining the future direction of the department and this survey will assist with identifying the citizens’ wants and needs,” Parks and Recreation Director Lanny Goodwin said.
The short survey, which only takes about five minutes to complete, asks residents to compile a wish list from facilities, parks and programs.
“The survey is an opportunity for citizens to let the city know what more they want from their recreation areas,” explained Jeni Lind Brinkman, MPRD program coordinator.
The survey will be posted on the department’s Web site at www.murfreesborotn.gov/parks beginning Monday, June 1.
2. Providing for citizens’ wants and needs has been the main priority for MPRD over the past 20 years, and one its biggest investments has been the Greenway.
The Gateway Island Greenway is the newest addition to the Murfreesboro Park and system, which features the new Gateway Island.
“It is our first lit portion of the Greenway,” Goodwin said, adding the new trail is 1.2 miles long.
Opened last fall and located between Medical Center Parkway and Old Nashville Highway, Gateway Island and Greenway provides a new picturesque place for recreation and gatherings. To reserve Gateway Island call 615-890-5333.
Next the Greenway will be extended with a River Walk to the edge of the Gateway Park, which will include primitive trails, two canoe portages, a terraced performance plaza, two river overlook decks, two trailheads, four pedestrian trailheads, boardwalks and other amenities.
3. To be completed in mid-June, the first phase of the Stones River Greenway Extension is under way from Old Fort Park along the Stones River to Highway 99 with a crossing under Interstate 24.
“Like we do at other road crossings, we went under the interstate bridge,” Goodwin said. “It’s spacious and keeps you several feet over the river.”
The Greenway will temporarily end behind the World Outreach Church at the Cason Trailhead, which will feature three playgrounds in one, pavilions and restroom facilities.
The next phase of the southern expansion will start in the next two years and run down the banks of the river from the future Cason Trailhead to Barfield Crescent Park.
“This is different from other portions of the Greenway,” he said. “It has nice view sheds where walkers are elevated over the river. … It’s a unique experience. I think everyone will enjoy this section of the Greenway.”
4. Parks and Recreation also plans to extend the Greenway to the north in the next few years also, aptly called the North Murfreesboro Greenway.
First Parks and Recreation will work with the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers to complete a section along the North Fork of the Stones River from the Walter Hill dam to the Coleman Farm in the northwest corner of the county.
“This one will be unique too,” Goodwin said. “With high bluffs and a beautiful river corridor, the views are gorgeous as well.”
This section of Greenway will be unique because equestrian trails will run along side pedestrian trails, he added.
Then another section will be completed from near Siegel Elementary School to Richard Siegel Park and across Cherry Lane to Central Valley Road.
5. In addition to the Greenway, MPRD is in the planning stages of creating a Blueway, which are designated river trails with access points.
“This is an area that is navigated by canoe, kayak and smaller boats, where you have canoe portages or boat ramps that give access to the river,” Goodwin said, adding no hiking trails are needed.
Currently, there is a Blueway that flows between the Manson Pike and Thompson Lane trailheads.
“You can actually put your canoe in at Manson pike and float or paddle down the river,” he said. Boaters can then pull out at Thompson Lane.
6. Teens have a chance to get a unique view of the Stones River Blueway with kayaking lessons on the Stones River.
Every Thursday afternoon from June 4-July 9, MPRD will embark on a new adventure along the Stones River.
Learn kayak paddle strokes, how to read the river and water safety techniques while meeting new friends.
Contact the Greenway Office at 893-2141 or rsinger@murfreesborotn.gov for more information or to register.
7. And for all the overheated citizens of the ‘Boro, MPRD and Murfreesboro fire Department will join forces for a cool down at Splash Out!
Firefighters will hose down kids and parents for a day of fun in the water and sun from 1:30-3 p.m. Thursday, June 18 at Siegel Park, Thursday, July 9 at Barfield Crescent Park, and Thursday, July 23 at Old Fort Park’s Pavilion No. 1.
8. Don’t forget the 6th annual Small Fry Tri - Murfreesboro's Smallest Triathlon for Preschoolers – from 10-11 a.m. Saturday, June 6 at Old Fort Park.
MPRD will hold the cutest triathlon in the state, where kids ages 2 to 6 will run, bike and swim (well, run through the sprinklers) to the finish line where everyone receives a trophy.
Races will be held about every 10 minutes and costs $5, trophy included. Preregistration is highly recommended and available at the Old Fort Park Concessions May 25-June 5.
T-shirts for little competitors will be on sale on the day of the event.
Old Fort Park Trailhead is located at Old Fort Park, 1025 Old Fort Parkway. For more information, contact Angela Jackson at 893-2141 or ajackson@murfreesborotn.gov.
9. The fun isn’t reserved for the kids.
From wellness classes and hiking to basketball and racquetball leagues, Parks and Rec offers a variety of options leagues for the kid in all of us.
A full list of offerings for adults can be found at www.murfreesborotn.gov/parks.
10. Get the whole family into the act as Movies Under the Stars returns for another fun summer.
Movies Under the Stars is a time-honored tradition for families, offering PG-rated movies and relaxation under the night sky throughout the city of Murfreesboro.
The movies begin at 8:30 p.m., Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, June 1 through July 26.
Bring lawn chairs, blanket and picnic and enjoy the show. Concessions will be available.
For more information about movies, contact Murfreesboro Parks and Recreation Department at 890-5333 or e-mail recreation@murfreesborotn.gov.
11. The Friends of the Greenway will hold the 5th annual Greenway Art Festival from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19 at the Thompson Lane Trailhead on the Stones River Greenway.
Artists will display and sell their work along the Greenway: oils, acrylics, watercolors, pottery, sculpture, glass and more.
The festival will also feature live trailside music, children's activities and food vendors.
Each year the juried festival expands to include new and unique talent.
Applications are currently being accepted from artists of original handcrafted fine art.
For an application or more information, contact MPRD at 615-893-2141 or ajackson@murfreesborotn.gov.
Michelle Willard can be contacted at 615-869-0816 or mwillard@murfreesboropost.com. |
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