Metro had wanted to buy golf course, convert it to public space
Tennessean
Written by
Nancy DeVille
Priest Lake residents drive miles to take a lap around a Metro greenway or break a sweat at a community center fitness class.
They live in one of Davidson County’s fastest-growing areas, one where city parks and recreation centers haven’t kept up. Metro Nashville was eyeing the private, 144-acre Nashboro Village golf course to convert to public space but abandoned that plan after residents along the golf course mounted strong opposition.
Now, people who don’t live on the golf course are worried it will take years to get the kind of amenities some drive as far as Coleman Park Community Center on Thompson Lane to get. Metro Park officials say they have plans for recreational projects in other southeast neighborhoods, but not in the immediate Priest Lake area.
“It makes me wonder if local government has crossed us off the list for now, since we said we didn’t want (a park) there,” said Cassandra Gray, a 14-year Priest Lake resident. “I’m hoping they strongly consider another location. I hope the next step in the conversation with the community is what are the other options.”
Metro’s parks board was scheduled to vote on the plan today but removed it from the agenda after Councilwoman Karen Johnson, who represents the area, asked the city to withdraw its proposal. An investor came forward who wants to keep the space as a golf course.
Projects planned
At a packed meeting with Johnson on Thursday, residents said they purchased homes that bordered the golf course because of the value it would bring their investment. They expressed concern about the additional traffic and crime a city park might bring to the area.
Park officials acknowledged there aren’t enough recreation centers in southeast Davidson County but pointed out work is beginning on other projects.
In November, the Metro Council voted to buy the former JC Penney building in Hickory Hollow Mall and the lot it sits on for a new library, community center and small park. The 30,000-square-foot community center will include a gymnasium, fitness center and multipurpose room. The purchase is on track to be finalized this month.
The Mill Creek Greenway will expand near Lenox Village off Nolensville Road with the potential for a park in the future. A neighborhood park is also planned for about 22 acres on Old Hickory Boulevard, west of Murfreesboro Pike.
“We are still striving to get our services distributed to all parts of the county, and particularly the ones that need it,” said Tommy Lynch, Metro Parks and Recreation director. “We still see there is a need in that very specific area. ... We are still going to pursue acreage, greenways, parks and community centers for that part of the city.”
The golf club purchase would have fallen under Metro’s open space plan that calls for preserving 22,000 acres over the next 25 years. The city recently purchased Cornelia Fort Airpark in East Nashville and Hermitage’s Ravenwood Country Club under that plan.
Former Mt. Juliet Mayor David Waynick sent a letter of intent to purchase the Nashboro Village golf course. He and golf course owner Textron Golf Financial Division are communicating, said Gilbert Smith, the real estate broker.
Contact Nancy DeVille at 615-259-8304
