Murfreesboro Parks and Recreation Commission approves programs, raises parade and rental fees

The Murfreesboro Parks and Recreation Commission on Oct. 1 approved several program and fee changes, received a year‑end financial report showing stronger revenue and heard updates on events and facilities projects.

Nate, a department staff member who delivered the FY24 recap, said the department closed the year with expenses under budget and rising revenue. "We're very pleased," he said, presenting nine‑year facility trend charts and a proposed FY25 operating budget that trims some costs while forecasting higher revenue.

The commission approved a new spades tournament at Patterson Park Community Center after program representative Eddie Sanders described the proposal as modeled on successful bingo and pool programs. Sanders said the tournament would begin Oct. 18, run every other month on Friday nights from 6–9 p.m., charge $3 for seniors and $4 for adults, include refreshments and award gift‑card prizes with winners’ names stenciled on a plaque. The motion to permit the program was approved by voice vote.

Rachel reported on the annual Christmas parade and proposed raising entry fees from a flat $10 to a tiered structure: $25 for civic groups, scouts, schools and churches and $50 for businesses. The commission adopted the fee increase by voice vote.

Rachel also proposed raising rental rates at the Lions Club venue in Cannonsburg to better align with comparable facilities: a weekday rate before 4 p.m. of $40 per hour, $60 per hour after 4 p.m., and a $60 per hour weekend rate. Commissioners approved the adjustment.

Bart presented the department’s annual buy‑one‑get‑one holiday pass sale, proposed for Dec. 16, 2024–Jan. 19, 2025, including free passes tied to monthly or annual purchases and vouchers for current pass holders; the commission approved the promotion.

Susan outlined temporary changes at Bradley Academy Museum: the museum will reduce regular open hours to Friday–Saturday, 10 a.m.–4 p.m., to permit cataloging and preparatory work before CIP‑funded repairs, while keeping rentals and tours available by appointment. The commission approved the temporary hours change.

In other updates, Susan gave a cultural‑arts briefing that included Advantage Arts pop‑ups at the Miracle League field, recent youth productions (Moana Jr.) and an upcoming Beauty and the Beast Jr. show (60 cast members selected from 103 auditionees). Lynn Caldwell summarized fall events and said Murfreesboro will host the Tennessee Recreation and Parks Association conference in November with an expected 350 attendees.

Mark Owens delivered the Saint Clair Street Senior Center annual report, noting 83,817 sign‑ins in the year, a cumulative milestone of 1,000,000 program hours, an average daily attendance near 238, and 2,293 known participants (up 112). He said the center currently has about 52 volunteers and partners with Meals on Wheels, which provides roughly 70,748 meals to seniors.

Staff provided construction updates: the tennis and pickleball complex is on track for mid‑November completion and will include six pickleball and six tennis courts; Veterans Park is slated to go to bid around Nov. 25 with a hoped‑for late‑2025 completion if bids come back within budget. Mister Turner reported the Old Fort Golf Course reopened Aug. 30, with contractor work completed ahead of schedule and under budget, plus upgrades to the driving range and new Zoysia grass on greens.

Votes at a glance: minutes approved (voice vote), spades tournament approved (voice vote), Christmas parade fee change approved (voice vote), Lions Club fee adjustment approved (voice vote), BOGO holiday sale approved (voice vote), Bradley Academy temporary hours approved (voice vote).

The meeting closed after a brief mention of Miracle League's final games for the season and plans for an all‑star game tied to the upcoming TRPA conference.