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Parks director reports carnival, flood repairs, irrigation upgrades and bike‑pump‑track study
Summary
Parks Director Andy Gilley told the board May 19 that the Hendersonville carnival has occupied Veterans Park, Mary’s Magical Place closed temporarily for flood repairs, the irrigation pump will be upsized, and an archaeological study is required before the planned bike pump track can proceed.
HENDERSONVILLE, Tenn. — Parks Director Andy Gilley updated the Parks Board of Parks and Recreation on May 19 about near‑term projects and operational impacts as the department moves into the busy summer season.
Gilley said the annual carnival has largely taken over Veterans Park and that Mary’s Magical Place was closed for repairs after a recent flood; he said Mary’s Magical Place will be closed “today, tomorrow, and potentially Wednesday” for repairs but will reopen for carnival events. Gilley also warned that the carnival would limit parking in the large Veterans Park lot and that staff had shifted ADA parking to maintain accessible entry points.
On maintenance and capital work, Superintendent Trevor Cole said crews are doing routine mowing and maintenance and that the irrigation system pump in the back of the system will be doubled in size. Cole said crews will also install five new concrete pads for benches along the greenway. On planned projects, Gilley said the proposed bike pump track requires an archaeological study before the city can contract for construction; Heritage Park and a new maintenance‑shop design remain in the design phase.
Staff noted multiple soccer‑field repairs will be evaluated this summer; whether insurance will cover irrigation damage remains under review. Gilley also announced the hire of Kendall Richards as a maintenance crew supervisor; Richards previously interned with the department.
Why it matters: The park system will host numerous large events this summer, and infrastructure repairs, ADA accommodations and environmental reviews will affect parking, field availability and project schedules.
Board members praised maintenance crews for recent field conditions and asked staff to continue coordinating league and event schedules to reduce conflicts. Gilley closed his report by asking for prayers for a board member’s family health issue.
