Centennial Park goes statewide
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Munford's Centennial Park will host a statewide baseball tournament later this month. (Photo by Thomas Sellers Jr./The Millington Star) |
Since the grand opening in April 2006, the park has become the home of Munford Parks and Recreation Department Adult Softball, Summer Baseball, Dixie Youth Baseball and various tournaments.
When month No. 15 rolls around, Centennial Park will play host to the 11- and 12-year-old State Baseball Tournament.Parks and Recreation Interim Director and Athletic Coordinator Kevin McDonald said the work done by the department to maintain the park has drawn statewide attention.
"The biggest reason why Centennial Park is so nice is the team we have," he said. "Regards to our field crews, concessions, umpires and office staff, our goal here is to be the best we can be and be the top parks and recreation department in Tennessee regards to the size of our community."
The park's appearance and service have already received two awards: The park received the Engineer Award and was named a Four-Star New Sports Facility for a community of 5,000 to 8,000 residents.
Under the leadership of Site Manager Chris McDonald, full-time Field Manager Griff Fisher and part-time crew members Chad McKee and Mark Zaniotti maintain the five playing fields and garden that welcome visitors.
On July 16, the facility will be on display for a week to visitors across the state when the baseball tournament comes to town.
"It's a big deal for Munford," McDonald said. "It's going to help the local economy out. People will be eating at restaurants and stopping by gas stations."
Although the park has won awards and received praise for the community, McDonald said the department is always looking for ways to improve the facility.
"It's the nicest multi-ball facility in Tennessee," he said. "We've made improvements. It's a top-of-the-line facility.
"Now that we have a year under our belt, expectations are higher than they were last year," McDonald added. "They should be. The new field and atmosphere, we put the time and effort into it to keep it."
The $3 million facility is now available to rent for tournaments. The park has a batting cage, misting station, covered playground, walking track and picnic area.
With Centennial Park attracting outside attention, McDonald said priority No. 1 is keeping the facility up to the standards of South Tipton residents.
"The people who drive by and see our facility, they say, 'I want my kids playing there,'" he concluded. "It's just nice to look at. Hopefully, once we get the word out about Centennial Park, when people mention Munford, they'll mention Centennial Park."
