(MURFREESBORO)  Plans for a park serving the western side of Murfreesboro has been "on and off" in the news for a good while. The city announced plans to develop a large 154-acre complex a mile west of Veterans Parkway off highway 96 (Franklin Road).

Murfreesboro Parks Community Service Director Angela Jackson said, "Murfreesboro is committed to meeting these needs of the western part of the community and is proceeding with developing plans for a park that will include fields, green space, walking trails and event space.” 

Murfreesboro's Development Services Executive Director Sam Huddleston noted, "This strategic location adjacent to I-840 and accessible to I-24 and I-65 offers a superior location as a commercial site for corporate and business development as the City works to attract higher paying jobs.” 

Over the next few months, the Murfreesboro Parks & Recreation Department and Kimley-Horn’s team of engineering, architectural and design companies will be presenting plans to the Parks Commission and the City Council. 

Developing greenspace and recreational areas has long been a priority of the City of Murfreesboro, in fact several corporations indicated that was one of the reasons they chose the Heart of Tennessee as a place to locate or expand their business. 

In addition to the proposed 154-acre park in the western side of the city, plans for a new community park on city-owned land along Veterans Parkway, Burnt Knob Road, Vaughn and Blackman roads near Interstate 840. This site is in the initial planning stages and will move to a master planning phase in short order. This location not only will incorporate a park site, but a future business park and employment center as well.

Murfreesboro Mayor Shane McFarland will be on WGNS this coming Wednesday morning (4/14/2021, 8:10-9:00AM). WGNS News will keep you informed.