Williamson County Parks and Recreation Celebrates 10th Anniversary of the Opening of Timberland Park
In November, the Williamson County Parks and Recreation Department (WCPR) celebrates the 10 Year Anniversary of the opening of Timberland Park and the formation of the department’s Nature Parks program.
When Timberland Park opened on November 1, 2014, it was the first of its kind in a park and recreation system that primarily consisted of active parks, playing surfaces, recreation centers and community pools. Development of the property into a passive, nature park was a journey of perseverance, cooperation and vision that took two decades and the involvement of multiple government and community officials to complete. The park initially opened on nearly 80 acres of land and consisted of traditional and ADA compliant hiking trails, an overlook area and a 2,000 square foot Interpretive Center providing informational and educational displays about the property. In July 2015, an agreement was reached with a neighboring landowner to extend the perimeter and trails of the park into the Big East Fork Reserve, expanding the footprint of Timberland Park to encompass 325 acres. Improvements to the park continue on a regular basis; and the park now incorporates nine trails, covering five miles and hosts monthly nature-based education and recreation programs.
WCPR’s nature park inventory increased in September 2020 with the opening of the Wilkins Branch Mountain Bike Park, completed in partnership with Outdoor Encounter, a local non-profit dedicated to creating recreational opportunities. To date, the Wilkins Branch Mountain Bike Park sits on 156 acres and contains eight single-track mountain bike trails covering six miles. The department’s latest addition, Peacock Hill Nature Park, opened in January 2024. It, as well, was another collaborative effort with a local family willing to make a preservation land donation for public recreation purposes. Peacock Hill Nature Park sits on approximately 246 acres, features six walking trails covering five miles, a rustic log cabin incorporated into the park visitor’s center with historical exhibits and displays and hosts monthly nature-based education and recreation programs.
Williamson County Parks and Recreation Director, Gordon Hampton summarized saying, “Timberland Park started a new phase of recreation opportunities in Williamson County. Due to its popularity and diversity from what we were accustomed to providing, we have since attracted the attention of other individuals who have decided to partner with us to bring more similar recreation opportunities online. A perfect example is Peacock Hill Nature Park; and we are working with other county property owners for possible passive park projects in the future.”
Michael Culbreth, Nature and Trails Coordinator for Williamson County Parks and Recreation expanded on the importance and significance of passive parks in a community stating, “Parks like Timberland act as a well stream for a multitude of benefits from physical and mental wellness; to historical education and nature-based learning; to serving as preserves for bio-diversity.”
To commemorate Timberland Park’s 10th Anniversary, WCPR Nature Park staff will be hosting a public celebration on Saturday, November 2, 2024. A day of nature programs, crafts and hikes is planned, along with refreshments and give-a-ways (while supplies last). The day’s festivities are free and open to the public. All are invited to participate and enjoy in the fun during fall’s peak leaf viewing season. Timberland Park is located just south of the Highway 96 W entrance to the Natchez Trace Parkway at mile marker 437.2 in Franklin, Tennessee. For more information on the park, its amenities and programs visit www.wcparksandrec.com.
####
Williamson County Parks and Recreation (WCPR) is a public organization benefitting the community. Anyone may register for and participate in the department’s programs, classes and events. For program registration, pass purchasing or additional information, visit www.wcparksandrec.com. You may also receive department information by “liking” Williamson County Parks and Recreation on Facebook; following us on Twitter at @wc_parksandrec or Instagram at @willcoparksandrec.
