Committee approves amendment to park field-use policy to formalize winter use for Tennessee United Soccer

The Public Works Committee voted unanimously to approve Resolution 202448, amending the city parks field-use policy to allow the recurring winter use pattern that Tennessee United Soccer Club has been granted for the last two years.

Committee members said the change codifies an arrangement already in practice and reduces repetitive annual petitions. The amended policy preserves the city’s ability to schedule and rotate field use and to require groups to request use through staff so fields can rest and recover.

The parks staff described that the 2023 policy gave the parks board authority to close fields at certain times for maintenance and allowed groups to petition for exceptions. Tennessee United Soccer first requested winter access immediately after the original policy passed; staff and the parks board approved the club’s request on a year-to-year basis for two seasons. Parks staff said the turf field availability has helped accommodate the added practices.

Committee members asked whether the amendment would allow other groups—such as tackle football, lacrosse or field hockey—to seek the same winter access. Staff replied the amendment formalizes the Tennessee United Soccer request only; other groups must petition the parks board. Staff also said scheduling remains controlled by staff (not an automatic blanket permission) so the city can designate which fields and when they may be used.

Committee discussion noted the amendment has worked without apparent harm for two seasons and that staff would return to the parks board if recurring requests from other groups warranted further changes.

Resolution 202448 was approved unanimously.