Mark Hunker, project manager, answers questions at the public meeting for the new Marcella Vivrette Smith Park at Brentwood Library.

For the first 60 minutes or so, representatives of Gresham Smith & Partners, the firm contracted by the city to develop a master plan for the 320-acre park, gave an overview of the work already completed to the 50 or so citizens who gathered at the Brentwood Library to learn more and share their ideas.

Mike Story, center, and his sons Alen, Joshua and David check out the maps before the meeting began. The Storys said they are most looking forward to the bridge into the park, which will end the train whistle 10 times a day.

Then the meeting was given over to the audience, to ask questions and add input.

"Our purpose tonight is really to gain some community input," assistant city manager Kirk Bednar said when he opened the meeting.

Gresham Smith's Mike Hunkler, the project manager, kicked off the presentation, sharing what had already been done to kick start the master planning process.

Historical architect Jim Thompson gave an overview of the historic Ravenswood home that in addition to the land itself is expected to be the park's showpiece.

The c. 1835 home predates the Franklin's Carter House, Thompson said, and is in "remarkable shape." He suggested the home, its detached kitchen, two brick slave cabins, root cellar and other outbuildings form a "campus of historic buildings" that could be developed for self-guided tours. Of the home itself, he said it can be a valuable "multi-purpose venue for Brentwood," mentioning weddings, seminars and other uses.

During an archeological report of the entire property, two prehistoric encampment sites were found, but "there was not enough there to be federally protected," Thompson continued. Also identified were the foundation of a former house, an old stone wall and chimney remnants.

Developing options for the public to get into the park has been one of the biggest challenges faced thus far. The current at-grade CSX railroad crossing will be completely removed and replaced by a bridge. Lori Lange, the team's transportation expert, shared that while the bridge must be 30 feet above the railroad tracks, the roadway getting to it cannot have more than a 5 percent grade to make it accessible for foot and bike traffic. Four options were shown with various entry points that matched up with different cross streets along the east side of Wilson Pike. Split Log Road is one option, and the installation of an already needed traffic light would be a plus there, she said.

Landscape architect Nicho Young explained the park's topography, possible interior road patterns, possible sites for multi-use playing fields and trails. He identified potential spots for trailheads and picnic areas.

He also pointed out several sites that have been identified for a possible brush recycling center, something that has been discussed since the land's purchase was first announced late last fall.

Using a color-keyed topo map, Young also explained the different slopes within the park, which range from 5 to more than 15 percent which would offer varying degrees of difficulty for hikers and mountain bikers on the unpaved trails within the park, which will remain passive in nature.

The city's existing paved trail system will also be extended into the park.

When the meeting turned from presentation to Q&A, a majority of the comments and questions offered came from residents of the Inglehame subdivision, which is located across Wilson Pike from the parkland, who were concerned about traffic and its impact on their neighborhood.

Questions on the proposed chipper facility, which would be located on approximately 4-5 acres, also raised concerns on noise, safety and aesthetics.

The pros and cons of multi-use playing fields – in particular their impact on traffic – also was questioned. Any fields in the new part would be unlit, as spelled out in the purchase agreement with the Smith family who owned the property and retained an adjacent 100 acres, Bednar explained.

After apologizing for not bringing former Vandy and current PGA pro Brandt Snedecker with him, Fletcher offered the park planners their only real novel and new idea to consider: a public driving range, hence his prop – the golf club.

Citing the fact that almost all golf in the county is now private, Fletcher said a driving range located on four to five acres of the adjacent 80 acres the city has the option to purchase by 2013 could be a big draw to the park.

"It would pay for itself," he said. He also mentioned it would be a place that the golf team from nearby Ravenwood High School, giving a nod to principal Dr. Pam Vaden who was in the audience, could practice.

Brentwood Home Page will address many of the ideas and concerns brought up at the meeting in the coming weeks as the master planning process continues. Send your thoughts, feedback and ideas to news@brentwoodhomepage.com. Please put SMITH PARK in the subject line and include a daytime telephone number.