Board accepts Army National Guard community assistance project for Wagner Park; staff clarifies city must provide materials

The Board of Mayor and Aldermen voted unanimously to accept a Tennessee Army National Guard community assistance project for Wagner Park that will expand parking and address drainage issues, but Parks staff clarified the scope and funding responsibilities before final acceptance.

A board member introduced the Guard offer, saying the unit planned to donate more than $160,000 worth of surveying, groundwork and materials. Parks staff later clarified that the Guard’s contribution is primarily labor, surveying and earthwork; the city is expected to provide materials such as stone/gravel and drainage tile. The staff estimate for materials was about $35,000, to be paid from the parks maintenance account and budgeted in FY26. The city must also provide liability insurance and execute a hold-harmless agreement required by the Guard’s program.

Parks staff said the Guard project would use rolled gravel rather than paving for the expanded parking area; staff noted the work would move the parking away from tree cover, could improve proximity to ADA-compliant spaces and might allow the city to eliminate a secondary park entrance for improved safety and circulation.

Board members discussed cost, safety and schedule; one member restated that the Guard will perform labor and that the city’s outlay should be limited to materials and any required paving or access changes. The board approved acceptance of the application and authorized the mayor to execute the agreement, 6-0. Staff indicated the project would likely occur in FY26 and requires the city to provide insurance and a hold-harmless agreement as part of the application process.