CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. – After a 6-month renovation project, Clarksville’s Billy Dunlop Park will reopen with an improved pavilion and extensive landscaping designed to protect the riverbank from erosion.
Parks & Recreation will host a ribbon-cutting event at 9 a.m. Wednesday, June 24 at the park, 1930 E Boyscout Road. After the ceremony, the park will be reopened to the public.
Visitors will find major improvements to the park’s large pavilion, which got structural repairs, a new roof, siding and stone pillars. Other upgrades include new picnic tables, a grill and modern, fully accessible restrooms.
The project also focused on environmental measures to protect and improve the riverbank along Big West Fork Creek, a tributary of the Red River. Native trees and small tree seedlings have been planted to establish a buffer and to restore a natural habitat vital to reducing erosion and water pollution.
Swimming and fishing are permitted at Billy Dunlop Park at the patron’s own risk. Parks & Recreation asks the public not to disturb the natural area so that it will thrive and continue to protect the waterway.
“We are very excited to reopen the park and pavilion,” said Jennifer Letourneau, Director of Clarksville Parks & Recreation. “We delayed the opening because of COVID-19 and social distancing concerns. When the park is reopened, patrons are asked to be mindful of the pandemic’s ongoing health risks and avoid the park once it reaches capacity.”
With the Billy Dunlop Park project completed, Robert Clark Park upriver -- a key kayak and canoe entry to point to the Clarksville Blueway -- also will reopen. Parks & Recreation asks that users respect the natural areas and the neighbors along the waterway. Alcohol use and parking on the grass are prohibited. The parks will be monitored, and vehicles parked in unauthorized parking areas will be ticketed and possibly towed.