Extensive Repaving Project Forces Cane Creek Park Closure
Cookeville’s Cane Creek Park will close next week to accommodate an extensive repaving project covering the main park road and all associated parking lots. Director of Leisure Services Chad McDonald said the project addresses damage caused by heavy machinery and trucks used during the recent expansion. McDonald said the department had already planned to repave […]
Vandalized Cinderella Park Reopens After Volunteer Repairs
Cinderella Park reopened Wednesday after a local volunteer donated his time and professional skills to repair a playground structure damaged by fireworks and a second act of vandalism. Cookeville Director of Leisure Services Chad McDonald originally said due to the age of the equipment, it was uncertain if repairs would be possible. “We had a […]
Cookeville Expands Food Truck Access On City Property
Cookeville expanding its mobile food unit policy to increase the number of available locations for vendor use. Leisure Services Department Director Chad McDonald said the updated policy aims to manage vendor requests with fairness and consistency across all city-owned parks and parking lots. McDonald said the changesbegan July 1 to better define how mobile food […]
Illegal Fireworks Cause Costly Cinderella Park Damage
Illegal fireworks activity at Cookeville’s Cinderella Park causing significant damage, forcing an indefinite closure to the park. It also leaves taxpayers with a repair bill of up to $10,000. Leisure Services Director Chad McDonald said the incident involved individuals setting off fireworks on the playground and destroying the plastic steps leading to a climbing tower. […]
Leisure Services Transforms Former Police Station HQ
The Cookeville Department of Leisure Services completed a multi-year renovation transforming the former Police Department HQ into a new administrative hub. Leisure Services Director Chad McDonald said the department moved from its original offices in the basement of City Hall into the space located underneath the Performing Arts Center in 2021. Since then, McDonald said […]
Cookeville Unveils Tennessee’s Largest New Splash Pad
Cookeville officials officially opened the city’s new splash pad and companion playground at Cane Creek Park during a Thursday’s ribbon-cutting ceremony. Leisure Services and Public Facilities Department Director Chad McDonald said the facility represents a significant investment in the local community and serves as a new hub for families. McDonald said the project required extensive […]
Cookeville Considers $200K Playground Surface Renovation
The Cookeville City Council considered a major renovation to the Heart of the City Playground on Monday, with a proposal to repair and replace its surface. Leisure Services Director Chad McDonald said the playground surface that protects children when they fall is over 10 years old and has started to crack in several places. McDonald […]
Dogwood Park Fountain Now Open, Kicks Off Events/Programs
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. […]
Cookeville Sends Reminders To Prepare Cemeteries For Mowing
As mowing season begins, officials with Cookeville Department of Leisure Services are asking families to remove or reposition decorations at local cemeteries. The two cemeteries that will begin to receive ground maintenance are Buck Cemetery and Cookeville City Cemetery. Leisure Services Director Chad McDonald said the annual notice is intended to give families time to […]
Cookeville School of Dance Hosting Open House For Students
Beginner and Advanced dancers are welcome at The Cookeville Leisure Services School of Dance on Monday. Cultural Arts Superintendent Chad McDonald said every dance season kicks off with an open house. McDonald said parents can learn all about beginner classes and even what their child’s progression could look like through the school. “The basics of […]
