Page 11 - TNPW Mar-Apr 2018

installation of a reinforced grass overflow
lot for events.
The town was notified that it had
received the grant in summer of 2016.
Construction bids opened in May 2017,
and the Board of Mayor and Aldermen
approved the winning bid of $1,385,555 in
summer 2017.
The Town of Farragut uses a unique
team approach for all construction
projects, and the Mayor Bob Leonard
Park renovation was no exception.
Staff members from Public Works,
Engineering, Community Development/
Codes, and Parks and Leisure Services
worked together during the design and
construction phases, with Engineering
taking the lead on day-to-day
construction oversight.
The team approach means that the
entire staff has some investment in each
project. “If we work together, we make
everyone as happy as possible,” Stuhl said.
The new restroom is designed to
provide a friendly welcome to the
community as well as regional visitors.
The building, with large exterior wood
beams, stonework and a sloped roof,
was designed to make a statement. An
expanded footprint and the utilization of
a former concession stand doubled the
useable size of the space. Regular and
ADA-approved toilets were added, along
with new dressing rooms.
The dressing rooms are convenient for
field users who come to the park directly
from work or school. Parents of young
athletes also use the restrooms to change
so they can exercise while their kids play, for a total of 5,008 hours. In FY2017,
Stuhl said. The new facility will keep park rentals increased to 6,211 hours. The fields
users from having to change in bathroom
stalls.
She’s pleased about the decision to use
reinforced grass for extra parking for
special events and large tournaments. The
town hosts two large annual events at the
park—Fun with the Farragut’s Fleet in
August and Freaky Friday Fright Nite in
October—and parking typically overflows
into nearby neighborhoods during those
popular events.
“I’m excited that we’re not installing
asphalt for parking that will only be used
a handful of times per year. That means
more green space in the park.”
The decision to convert a third
rectangular field to synthetic turf was an
easy one. The town has a total of 16 fields
and courts in three parks, and all are
well-used. In FY2014, fields were rented
were already full, especially during prime
hours, says Stuhl. The increase came from
the conversion of three natural turf fields
at Mayor Bob Leonard Park over the past
five years.
Synthetic turf fields can be used
year-round and are unlikely to close due
to rain, which makes for a significant
increase in field rentals. The rectangular
fields are popular for adult and youth
soccer, lacrosse and football, and have
even been used by Quidditch and
cricket teams. They only close during
thunderstorms and severe cold or snow.
The new field has been open for play
since mid-December, and the town
has seen an uptick in league play since
then. Construction details are currently
being finalized on the new restroom and
parking.
Caring for the town’s four parks
is another team effort. The Farragut
Public Works and the Parks and Leisure
Services Departments share maintenance
of the athletic fields. Public Works
handles heavy maintenance like extensive
field prep, electrical and plumbing
work, mowing, weed-eating and some
cleaning. The Parks and Leisure Services
Department performs light maintenance
like field and court prep for games and
practices, lines, dragging, placing corner
flags and moving goals. It’s a cooperative
arrangement that utilizes numerous
talents, Stuhl said.
It takes time and patience to get from
grant writing to ribbon cutting. Stuhl
and the other members of her team
are looking forward to turning park
renovations over to the public. “Speaking
for all the departments, it’s exciting to
have the project near completion. It will
benefit the community and the greater
East Tennessee region.”
View online at tnpublicworks.com 11