Collierville plans on investing $1 million to enhance Hinton Park in the southern portion of the suburb.
The town received a $500,000 grant from the state Department of Environment and Conservation’s Local Parks and Recreation Fund, Collierville Parks and Recreation officials announced during a Wednesday, Oct. 13 event at Hinton. TDEC provides the funds to help municipalities purchase parkland or make capital improvements in existing spaces.
Collierville has a number of planned improvements for Hinton Park, including a small stage to complement the existing performance lawn.
“I think it’s a place for smaller outdoor events, music, plays,” John Duncan, Collierville’s economic development director, said. “Bring your chair. Bring your blankets. Bring your family. Enjoy the show.”
The Collierville Chamber of Commerce recently formed a focus group to outline amenities they would like if the state gave them funds. An amphitheater was one of the main attractions. Parks and Recreation Director Greg Clark previously applied for the grant showing the community wanted an outdoor venue.
“Our application is helping to meet the wants of our community,” he added.
He told the Parks Advisory Board the town could host movie nights in the park or small concerts – nothing near the size of the performances at Collierville Square during the summer. Those draw thousands. At Hinton Park, parking capacity is not the same.
The state grant is $500,000, but the town must match the amount for a total of $1 million. About $150,000 will go to Dalhoff Thomas for design with the remaining $850,000 earmarked for construction, Clark said.
Hinton Park currently has a disc golf course, exercise trails, playground and a large open spaces with a pond. Greenbelt connections will provide access to nearby neighborhoods. In addition to the connections from Hinton Park and Fleming Road, there will be a new parking lot.
Portions of the property remain untouched, but there were always plans to enhance it for the use of residents.
“Hinton Park has a lot of room to grow and create opportunities for Collierville residents,” said Dave Rhylander, Parks Advisory Board chairman. “We have to invest and grow in the right way.”
In previous upgrades to Hinton, a playground was desired, but the funds weren’t available. A new playground will have a treehouse theme and be accessible to all, including those disabled.
Collierville has received this grant in the past, according to Clark. TDEC has partnered with the town for the Peterson Lake Nature Complex at W.C. Johnson Park and the Wolf River Greenbelt Trailhead and the wildlife overlook at the Robbins-Halle Nature Preserve on Wolf River Boulevard.