Cookeville will install lighting at Parkview Skate Park to extend the facility’s usable hours after sunset.
Leisure Services Director Chad McDonald said the initial development of the concrete park opened without lights due to a combination of budgetary constraints. There were also discussions regarding operating hours.
“We’ve gotten requests from the public,” McDonald said, “And recognized the fact that some people want to be there after dark, especially in the summer when it’s cooler and it makes sense for us to put some lighting in at this time to accommodate those requests.”
The department maintains a policy of closing all local park facilities at 10pm. McDonald said providing a lit environment for the city’s youth is a priority for the department, as it ensures the space remains functional for those seeking activities after dark.
“So providing these facilities after dark is something that we want to do because youth want to do something after dark as well,” McDonald said. “Now, that doesn’t preclude youth being there after the facilities are closed.”
Addressing potential concerns regarding evening noise, McDonald said the facility does not utilize amplified sound and is located at the site of the former Parkview pool. McDonald said the elevation and distance of the park from the nearest residences should help minimize any impact on the surrounding neighborhood.
“The noise coming from that facility is very minimal,” McDonald said. “There’s not amplified noise or anything like that coming from that facility. So we hope that doesn’t become an impact on neighbors. And you know, the park itself is not really close to a lot of residences in that area.”
While there are no current plans to expand the footprint of the Parkview location, the department continues to evaluate future needs for amenities such as splash pads and playgrounds.
“We are always looking at parkland and amenities to meet the public’s desires, needs, and wants,” McDonald said. “So there’s opportunity for other skate parks, other splash pads, other playgrounds down the line. And you know, that’s always in the forefront of our mind is looking at what the public wants and how we can meet those needs.”