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Nolensville unanimously names new Sunset Road site 'Chrisman Brown Park' honoring Black recreation history
Summary
After a public naming process that drew hundreds of submissions and votes, the board voted unanimously to name the new park at 1686 Sunset Road Chrisman Brown Park to recognize the contributions of the Chrisman and Brown families and the history of Sunset Park as an African American recreational center.
The Town of Nolensville Board of Commissioners on March 5 voted unanimously to name the newly acquired park parcel at 1686 Sunset Road "Chrisman Brown Park," honoring the legacy of the Chrisman and Brown families and the historic role of Sunset Park as a recreational center for African Americans during segregation.
Mayor (presiding) introduced Resolution 26‑026, which staff read in full. The resolution summarized the public naming process: the town received 194 submitted name entries (consolidated to 163 unique names), reported 473 votes submitted with 454 valid certified votes after duplicate removal, and identified Chrisman Brown Park as the top vote‑getter with 117 votes as recorded in the resolution text. Commissioners and members of the Chrisman and Brown families spoke in support; one public commenter praised the board for honoring local history.
Commissioner Gill moved the resolution; it received a second and passed by voice vote. The board presented certificates of recognition to representatives of both families and posed for a group photograph. Town staff noted that installation of signage and updates to official records are authorized and that staff will return with implementing actions (signage logistics and records updates).
The resolution text as read at the meeting included historical background: it credited Ben Chrisman and Mary Polk Chrisman with founding Sunset Park between 1909 and 1929 and described the Brown family’s later stewardship in the 1960s as preserving recreational opportunities for the African American community.
Commissioners said the naming process was community‑driven and reflected many residents’ interest in honoring local history. The town manager and staff will proceed with the administrative steps authorized by the resolution.
