City unveils ambitious plan for creek daylighting project

The City of Murfreesboro is moving forward with an ambitious stormwater maintenance and public recreational project at the Town Creek daylighting site, spanning 6.45 acres along South Church Street. The initiative, which has garnered significant collaboration among city officials and engineers, aims to enhance local greenway connectivity and improve stormwater management.

During a recent planning commission meeting, city staff highlighted the project's progress, noting that most buildings on the site have been demolished, with plans to release bid documents by the end of the year, thanks to grant funding. The project will daylight Town Creek, creating a vibrant public space that connects existing greenways from the Canonsburg area to the Discovery Center.

Key features of the project include the addition of 17 new parking spaces on Hickerson Drive, improvements to pedestrian and bike access, and the installation of decorative street lighting to enhance safety. The design also incorporates natural elements, such as retaining walls and pathways leading to the creek, promoting recreational activities.

While the project is set to transform the area, discussions also touched on future plans for pedestrian walkways across busy intersections, particularly between the McDonald's site and the new recreational area. Although immediate plans for these connections are not in place, city officials acknowledged the importance of addressing pedestrian safety in the area.

The planning commission unanimously approved the project, reflecting a strong community interest in revitalizing the historic bottoms area, a vision that originated from a planning study conducted several years ago. As the project progresses, it promises to create a more accessible and enjoyable environment for residents and visitors alike.