New YMCA, Disc Golf Course and Races Enhance Recreation Options in Dickson County, TN
Recreation, wellness center and events continue to grow in Dickson County
Dickson County offers many opportunities – inside and outside – for those who want to stretch their legs, burn a few calories and take part in a friendly competition.
With the opening of new recreational facilities, foot races and fitness centers, there are even more reasons to get moving.
Fresh after the completion of a fully functional auditorium in the Bibb-White Bluff Civic Center, the Town of White Bluff is hard at work creating an amphitheater with terrace seating that can accommodate more than 200 concert-goers in the outdoor venue. If all goes as planned, the first event could be held here in the spring or summer of 2017.
In 2013, the town cut the ribbon on the custom-designed White Bluff Skate and Bike Park.
“We already had a playground for the younger kids, so we were asked to have something for the teens and preteens. It’s been a great addition and very well used,” says Jeff Martin, projects administrator.
The community center, adjacent to the Field of Dreams playground, opened a few years ago after a generous donation of land and some construction funding by Richard Bibb, and also includes classrooms, a boardroom, senior center, kitchen and a public library.
YMCA
There is also a new recreational facility for the City of Dickson. Operating as a nonprofit, the Dickson County Family YMCA purchased 55,000 square feet of a former Kmart building on Henslee Drive and converted the space into a fitness facility.
A workout room and walking track are part of the first phase. But in the future, the Y could hold other amenities such as a swimming pool and basketball courts.
Disc Golf
New chained baskets and concrete pad tees welcome disc golf enthusiasts in J. Dan Buckner Park. Completed last fall, the 18-hole course features two tees at each hole and provides a disc-launching site based on players’ skill levels. The recreational tees are for the amateur set, while championship tees provide challenges for more experienced players.
“I’m very sure this is the only public disc golf course in Dickson. And it’s very popular. Every day, we have someone out there,” says Cheri Wilson, City of Dickson’s park superintendent.
Running Events
Runners can expect to lace up their athletic shoes again for 2016 after two glow runs – nighttime foot races illuminated by glow sticks – got their start last summer.
Presented by Dickson Health & Rehab, the Ready. Set. GLOW 5K event, which raises money for Alzheimer’s Association Mid-South Chapter, takes runners through the historic areas of downtown Dickson. The first event was held last June.
A patriotic-themed, non-competitive fun run known as the Firecracker 5K Glow Run is held on the paved areas in Montgomery Bell State Park.
On July 3, 2015, more than 100 runners participated in the inaugural event, which featured a free acoustic concert by Bryan Hayes, a musician and Wounded Warrior Project alumnus. The run raised more than $1,500 for the nonprofit that helps wounded veterans.
Montgomery Bell is also the site for the annual Bell Ringer 50K/25K Trail Run, which is organized in December.