The fountain at Dogwood Park is officially back on, signaling the start of spring in downtown Cookeville.
Cookeville Leisure Service Director Chad McDonald said the fountain opened right on schedule. McDonald said every year the opening of the fountain is a highly-anticipated moment for the community.
“I think it’s a harbinger of spring,” McDonald said. “We always like to get it open around the first of April while the dogwoods are blooming and the flowers are blooming. It’s a great time to get that up and running, and it really kicks off the year for us.”
McDonald said the park serves as a key gathering place for families, visitors, and community events throughout the warmer months. McDonald said the fountain, which runs daily, plays a central role in that experience.
“It’s a great place to relax and cool off during the heat of the day when it gets hotter in the summer,” McDonald said. “It’s a great place to take kids to play, and with the Heart of the City Playground right next door to the fountain, we have quite an area there that families enjoy.”
With the fountain open, McDonald said the park will again host a full slate of events, including concerts, movies, and festivals. McDonald said the department is focused on maintaining the quality and accessibility of those offerings rather than expanding the schedule this year.
“What we have on the schedule right now takes a lot of time and effort, especially with the concerts and the community band, Shakespeare in the Park, and the movies,” McDonald said. “So we’re trying to make sure those are of the highest quality and accessible to the most people in the public.”
McDonald encouraged residents to take advantage of the space in the coming months, whether for events or simply enjoying the outdoors.
“Please do come out, enjoy the park, enjoy the fountain, enjoy all the events and activities we’ve got planned for you over there,” McDonald said. “We hope that you enjoy the work we do over there to make Dogwood Park the great place that it is.”
The fountain at Dogwood Park is open daily from 7am -10pm. For updates on the fountain or upcoming events, visit the City of Cookeville Leisure Services website or follow along on their social media accounts.