By SUSAN LEATHERS
Brentwood Home Page
A master plan for the development of the city’s new 320-acre Marcella Vivrette Smith Park was unanimously approved Monday night by the Brentwood City Commission.

The plan, designed by Gresham Smith & Partners was developed by a team of consultants with expertise in geology, historic restoration, traffic engineering and recreation. The process included multiple community meetings, recommendations and feedback from the city’s Historic Commission and Parks Board, and city staff.

The park will be developed in phases, with the public expected to be able to access the park in late 2013.

Assistant city manager Kirk Bednar presented the resolution to the commission and reviewed the process it took to get it to the board for a final vote. “What we have are two concept plans and a phasing schedule,” he said.

The first concept includes plans for the full 400 acres, anticipating the city’s future purchase of 80 additional acres in the northwest corner of the historic Ravenswood Farm property that remains available. The second plan only includes the existing 320 acres. The first three phases of each plan are identical, incorporating the entry road and bridge to access the park; the restoration of the c. 1825 Ravenswood home and adjacent historic structures; the development of unlit multi-use practice field, and restrooms, parking lots and extensions to the city’s existing bike paths.

Prior to discussion on the resolution, Citizens for Brentwood Green Space president Gil Hutchinson announced to the commission during the Citizen’s Comment portion of the meeting that the non-profit citizens group would spearhead a fundraising drive to help the city purchase the additional 80 acres. (Click here for related story).

Commissioner Anne Dunn pointed out that Gresham Smith & Partners also created the master plan for Crockett Park, which until December’s $10 million purchase of the Smith property had been its biggest single investment.

“This has been a process and the process worked,” said Mayor Paul Webb, offering kudos to all involved in the process.

Just before the 7-0 vote, City Manager Mike Walker expressed his appreciation to Reese, Steve and Mark Smith for offering the city the opportunity to purchase it instead of developing it. The Smith family is well-known for its development of many subdivision and condominium projects in Middle Tennessee, including several in Brentwood.

In other actions:

• The commission appointed David Kumatz and Cindy Harrison to the newly expanded Tree Board. Kumatz will serve a three-year term while Harrison will serve for two years.
• Mayor Paul Webb presented Brentwood Fire Chief Brian Goss a proclamation declaring October Fire Prevention Safety Month in the city.
• Police Chief Ricky Watson reported on the Sept. 24 Wounded Warrior Project's Nashville Soldier Ride. His Team Brentwood Warrior exceeded its fundraising goal of $3500 by at least a thousand dollars, he said, and an event total of $136,000 was announced on Saturday, though that figure is expected to rise. Watson acknowledged the 10 city employees who and additional Brentwood High students that made up his team.

The unanimously passed consent agenda included:

• The acceptance of several roads in the Annandale subdivision as public streets.
• Approval of a bid from Morton Salt, Inc. for road salt for the 2011-12 winter season
• Accepting a bid to replace a Public Works’ chipper truck.