Wilson County parks: Where new projects and enhancements stand in Mt. Juliet, Lebanon
A new greenway, more tennis, and pickleball courts, and youth soccer fields are among a number of park projects in Mt. Juliet and Lebanon. Here’s a look:
Cedar Creek Greenway: The nearly one mile of trailway in Mt. Juliet, from Charlie Daniels Park to Golden Bear Gateway, was scheduled to open in late November or early December. But the project was pushed back with the weather holding up the final coat of asphalt, city parks director Rocky Lee said.
The greenway runs along Cedar Creek and includes a 125-foot bridge.
Additional parking was also added as part of the first phase of enhancements designed to meet demand from growth and relieve Charlie Daniels Park.
Mundy Park: The city opened three new tennis courts and four new pickleball courts on Nov. 19. A second phase at Mundy Park will include a playground expansion, Lee said.
Hamilton-Denson: Work to create eight multi-use sports practice fields near Tate Lane and West Division was wrapping up, Lee said.
Lee estimated the fields would likely start to be used in early spring.
The first phase also includes parking and a sidewalk going to the nearby greenway.
Mt. Juliet also has been awarded a grant for Phase 2 that will include a bathroom facility, playground and stairs going to Victory Baptist Church that will share the back part of the church parking lot with the city, Lee said.
Will Sellers Park: Will Sellers Park is the new name for the dog park on SE Springdale Drive, off Belinda Pkwy.
Sellers is a former Mt. Juliet city commissioner and vice mayor who died earlier this year. Sellers led the effort to create Mt. Juliet Friends of the Parks and Greenways and were active with the Mt. Juliet Animal Shelter Volunteer Organization.
Lebanon Sports Complex: Work is underway for the first youth playing field built the city has built in more than 20 years.
The sports complex, located at 1523 Murfreesboro Road, will include five soccer fields, including one artificial turf field, restrooms, a concession stand, a small playground, a one-mile walking track, and parking.
Spring 2024 is the estimated completion.
The city budgeted $17 million for the project and the bid came in at just under $14.4 million, according to officials.
Recreational youth soccer leagues now use the property at the Lebanon Municipal Airport, which gets increasingly busy with air traffic. The plan is for all recreational youth soccer to go to the new complex, Lebanon Parks Director William Porter said.
The site totals around 156 acres. Subsequent phases could include plans for 8-12 baseball and softball fields, additional soccer fields, more playground and trail areas, and building structures for administrative and community needs, Porter said.
Cairo Bend Community Park: Lebanon has opened the new 15-acre park on Cairo Bend Road with a playground, near a one-mile walking trail, restroom, and pavilion. There are also three slabs for future pavilions, Porter said.
Future park to be named for Fred Burton: A new park being built through a public-private partnership between Lebanon and the Lebanon Church of God Trustees will be named for councilman Fred Burton.
The Fred Burton Community Park’s address will be 25 Newbell Street in Lebanon, adjacent to the Lebanon Church of God on C.L. Manier Street. The park in Burton’s Ward 2 will include a walking trail, pavilion, concession stand for organized activities, and restrooms are included. Spring is the estimated completion date.
The council passed a resolution to name the park for Burton, citing work over multiple terms for the ward he represents and his service as a U.S. Army veteran.
Reach Andy Humbles at ahumbles@tennessean.com or 615-726-5939 and on Twitter @ AndyHumbles.
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Where Mt. Juliet, Lebanon park projects and enhancements stand
