Great things are happening, especially for community kids and pets. In fact, “To provide vibrant public spaces and inclusive programs, delivered with visionary leadership and caring staff that engage the individual and strengthen the quality of life of our community” is the mission statement of Murfreesboro Parks and Recreation, an objective the entire team works tirelessly to make happen.
“One of the very best things we do is put the right people in place to make sure we're consistently planning and providing new and incredible experiences for our community, and especially children and families,” shares Nate Williams, executive director of Murfreesboro Recreation Services.
Each season brings new activities, and fall is definitely a favorite for Murfreesboro families. Starting in August with the Hummingbird Festival, it’s an event full of education, nature and hands-on fun. Children can watch a hummingbird being banded, hear the details of its history, and a lucky few might get to release them back into the wild.
There's the Greenway Art Festival in September, which is an array of homemade art vendors, live entertainment and even a junior art section. October brings the Barfield Bash carnival with fun and games, and of course, a haunted hayride. Coming back this year is the not-so-haunted version for the really little ones. There also are hayrides, s’more roasting, family campouts and even a last chance to get on the water for some kayaking or paddleboarding.
Amazing kids' activities are offered at all the facilities, whether it’s joining toddler classes and special events at Sports*Com or Patterson Park Community Center, learning how to cook for animals, playing Wildlife Trivia at the Wilderness Station or trying out tennis at Adams Tennis Complex.
For those who want to explore their creative side, the department's Cultural Arts division offers many, different art activities and classes for every age and ability. They also produce several plays each year that have open auditions and a large cast and crew, perfect to perform in, or go to and watch.
Cannonsburgh Village and Bradley Academy Museum and Cultural Center have events for kids, and offer times to just come in and explore the history and culture right here in the community.
We sure do love animals of all kinds at Murfreesboro Parks and Recreation.
The parks and Greenway trails always welcome dogs that are on a leash, and they're seen enjoying the amenities quite frequently. Two Bark Parks also cater specifically to four-legged friends at the General Bragg Trailhead and the Cason Trailhead. The end of summer at Boro Beach always closes out its season with the annual Puppy Plunge event, which invites all puppies to take one last plunge into the big pool as an afternoon full of fun for everyone.
The best way to stay in the know is to check out the 'Event Guide/Things to Do' calendar, which lists all the events each day at MurfreesboroParks.com.
Upcoming Events
Aug. 9: Wilderness Station's End of Summer Bash, Barfield Crescent Park
Aug. 15: USTA Level 5 Tennessee Junior Open, Adams Tennis Complex
Aug. 30: Hummingbird Festival, Barfield Crescent Park
Sept. 1: Labor Day, Boro Beach
Sept. 20: Greenway Art Festival