56.7 F
Clarksville
Thursday, March 28, 2024
HomePoliticsClarksville Mayor Kim McMillan continues fight for Clarksville Family Athletic Complex

Clarksville Mayor Kim McMillan continues fight for Clarksville Family Athletic Complex

Written by Kim McMillan
Mayor of Clarksville

City of Clarksville - Clarksville, TNClarksville, TN – After the Clarksville City Council’s failure last week to approve the purchase of land for the Clarksville Family Athletic Complex, I saw a young soccer player leave the meeting in tears.

It was an emotion shared by many who turned out to show support for this much-needed project to provide modern outdoor recreation facilities for our growing population.

It was a heartbreaking turn of events for me, too.

Clarksville Mayor Kim McMillan
Clarksville Mayor Kim McMillan

I have been working on bringing new and better sports facilities for our families, especially our young people, from the moment I took office as Mayor of Clarksville. After several years of evaluation and debate, the City Council as part of the 2018 budget agreed to spend $6.5 million to purchase a 409 site near Interstate 24 Exit 8 for the Athletic Complex.

My office began the complicated work of negotiating purchase contracts involving several sets of landowners. Meanwhile, I formalized ongoing discussions with National Sports Services to secure a Prospect League summer collegiate baseball team for Clarksville. Similarly, I invited a letter of interest from the Tennessee State Soccer Association, which is seeking a host city for a proposed State Soccer Park.

Finally, it appeared the stars had aligned. We had an excellent site lined up, the money was approved, willing and able partners were on board to contribute the economic muscle needed to make the project economically feasible. Yet, last week, some members of the City Council reneged on the budget approval bestowed 11 months ago and voted against closing on the land purchases.

Well, dry your tears, my young soccer playing friend. I refuse to give up on my pledge to provide adequate athletic fields and facilities for you, your family, your generation, and generations to come. It’s time for you to share fully in Clarksville’s growth and prosperity.

As your Mayor, I want you to know that I will continue to evaluate ways to move forward with our plan for the Clarksville Family Athletic Complex. I remain committed to the Exit 8 location, which is the key to the generating new sports tourism-related revenues that make the project possible. I know Clarksville’s residents of all ages need these additional recreational facilities, and I am encouraged that the community strongly supports the plan.

I have been in contact with TSSA and the Prospect League, who both say they remain deeply interested in partnering with the City of Clarksville if an appropriate site can be secured. I have briefed the landowners about my intentions to keep the project alive. And I implore City Council opponents of the project to reconsider their positions and join me in seizing this opportunity to enhance our community and keep faith with our citizens.

Together, we have set the stage for progress with a well-crafted, financially responsible project supported by an overwhelming majority of our constituents. Let’s not fail to live up to our solemn oaths to protect and improve our beloved City, and serve its citizens to the best of our ability.

RELATED ARTICLES

Latest Articles