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Former Parks Director presents plan for additional parking to City Recreation Committee
RACHEL TOWNSEND
The Dyersburg Recreation Committee met Wednesday, August 7 to discuss updates regarding construction at Future City, air conditioning concerns and staffing at Bruce Community Center, the Jennie Bell School walking trail, and the expansion of parking at the Dyersburg Activity Center [DAC], as presented by former Parks Director James Earl Johnson.
Members of the committee present for the meeting included Chairman Ricky Hammond, Rick Crawford, Dyersburg Mayor John Holden, and City Recorder Scott Ball.
Absent: Alderman Willie Cole.
Also in attendance, were Future City Director Jannifer Ross, Bruce Community Center Director Victor McLin, Dyersburg Activity Center Director and head of the soccer program Patrick Holden, and Parks and Recreation Director Ricky Roberts. Additionally, Dyersburg Alderman Edward Burks was present.
Opening the meeting, Johnson shared a vision for the future Jennie Bell School walking trail. He requested committee members consider placing a sign at the top of the east side school steps reading: Jennie Bell School Memorial Park. He mentioned that the Dyer County Commission had already funded a 30ft. lighted flagpole at the top of the steps. He noted that funding for the sign might be available in the City’s existing grant for the walking trail.
Johnson also requested the committee explore the addition of parking at DAC to accommodate larger crowds at events and tournaments. He noted concerns over pedestrian parking along the shoulder of Shelby Drive due to insufficient parking during large events held at the DAC.
Johnson’s proposal included:
| 1. | Lining the existing paved parking lot to maximize parking and provide a safe directional flow. |
| 2. | Opening the west parking lot, which is currently gravel, for public use in compliance with the original grant terms |
| 3. | Paving and lining the west parking lot to maximize parking and to provide a safe directional flow. Johnson noted that this lot has been gravel for the past 23 years. |
| 4. | Add additional parking in the lower lot (Wheeler St.) for lower ball fields. |
| 5. | Open a city-owned lot on Shelby Drive for 20 vehicles. |
| 6. | Place “No Parking-Will Tow” signs on the side of the parking lot facing the cemetery. |
Johnson informed the committee implementing a large addition of 45 lots to the lower parking lot would only be possible if two of the rental homes (lots 1204 and 1206) situated on the east corner of the parking lot entrance were purchased and removed.
Johnson concluded by thanking the City for its continued investment in recreation.
Crawford and Hammond both thanked Johnson for investing the time and attention in drafting the plan and informed him that they would be looking into solutions.
In an interview with Mayor Holden following the meeting, Mayor Holden informed the State Gazette that half of the west parking lot has been made accessible to the public for additional parking while still allowing access to parking for City workers on site for maintenance.
Additionally, Mayor Holden says the Church of God on Phillips Street has given the City permission to use its parking lot located across from the former location of Dyersburg Fabrics.
“The City is working hard to address the parking situation at Dyersburg Activity Center and increase the quality of our recreational facility for residents and out-of-towners,” said Mayor Holden.
Mayor Holden also noted that revenue from Parks and Rec has been increasing annually since 2022. Holden says 2022 revenues were $104K, increased to $111K in 2023, and are reported at $190K for the 2024 budget year. Revenue from Parks and Rec allows for the expansion of programming and helps offset the cost of implementing repairs and maintenance to Dyersburg’s parks and trails.
Pickleball and Farmers Market updates
Other projects underway for Dyersburg Parks and Rec include the addition of eight Pickleball courts. Ball says bids are now out. He expects to break ground by the end of the month.
At the Farmers Market, construction is underway on bathrooms and the parking lot expansion. Mayor Holden and Ball noted plans for the future of the Market, underway by the Dyersburg-Dyer County Chamber of Commerce.
Once complete, the Farmers Market will feature an indoor/outdoor stage, with the option to be fully enclosed. Plans were also shared that the Chamber will implement a “movie night”.
Representing the Dyersburg Activity Center, Patrick Holden passed out handouts outlining numerous programs currently available including fall softball, Soccer Plex rentals, travel softball, and youth soccer. Times and dates are available by calling the Dyersburg Activity Center.
Bruce Community Center
McLin said the air units at Bruce Community Center are partially working. He said the air conditioning in the back of the building is fine, however, the air conditioner for the gym needs repairs that are slated to begin soon.
McLin says Bruce is currently fully staffed but is always looking for extra help. Bruce just finished hosting its Summer Feeding Program. McLin says the program provided food for 65-100 per day at Bruce Community Center. He also noted that t-ball and kickball programs had come to an end.
Additionally, McLin said kids are now training with the center’s new Vertimax V8 machine. The machine was recently purchased and installed in the community center two weeks ago.
Future City
At Future City, plans are underway for new ballfield lighting and the center’s new gymnasium. Ball says designers are implementing changes made at the request of Ross. He said concrete would be ready to pour shortly before delivery of the building.
Like Bruce Community Center, Ross says Future City is also working on providing community programs. She says she is looking into implementing flag football and a cheer program. She says a community group has also been formed to address problems in the area and needs.