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Planning and Facilities division reports completed projects, construction pipeline and funding efforts
Summary
The Planning and Facilities Development Division reported on completed participatory budget projects, ongoing construction (including Centennial Phase 3 and Ravenwood Phase 2), upcoming bids, and funding pursuits including a $6 million grant application to Blue Cross Blue Shield.
The Planning and Facilities Development Division presented its annual update to the Metro Board of Parks and Recreation, outlining completed projects, construction underway, projects out to bid, and planned but unfunded initiatives.
Joe Stovall, who introduced the division team, summarized work completed over the past year: the mayor's FY24 participatory budget projects (new playgrounds, shelters and shade structures) at multiple community centers, completion of restrooms and fitness equipment at Green Hills, a new dog park built in partnership with a developer, and completion of several smaller park upgrades.
Projects under construction the division listed include Old Hickory (grand opening planned for Jan. 28), Centennial Phase 3 (new event pavilion, Croquet Cafe renovation, grand entry and circulation improvements), Ravenwood Phase 2 (Lytle Bend natural area opening approximately 600 acres to the public with primitive trails and greenway connections), Mariposa Park (about a 10-month construction schedule), and the riverbank stabilization and Davidson Road repair at Shelby Park (approximately 40% complete, estimated December finish).
Projects recently or soon to be out for bid include Fort Nagle Phase 1 and Mill Ridge Phase 2 (which will add a 2-to-5-year-old playground, splash pad, event pavilion and other amenities). Stovall said design-ready projects include First and Gay downtown park improvements and Madison Station; Trinity Hills Park was noted as a coordinated project with Habitat for Humanity.
Stovall also identified planned but currently unfunded projects, including the Cedar Hill Miracle League field and complex; he noted a $6 million grant application to Blue Cross Blue Shield with a December finalist announcement and February award decision timeline. The division plans to issue a new AEI IDIQ request for proposals in the coming months to replace expiring contracts.
Board members and staff praised the division's delivery of participatory budget projects and equity-focused distribution of improvements across the park system. Several board members encouraged the public to visit near-complete projects and noted enthusiasm for the Antioch soccer field and Mill Ridge phases.
Stovall closed by inviting questions and noting the division has added staff and continues to coordinate community engagement and project scheduling across the park system.
