Much can be learned from the success of other cities. Downtown Commons is a case study with lessons in design, funding, and management that can be applied to the future of Church Street Park and Anne Dallas Dudley Boulevard (for reference, the total combined acreage of Church Street Park and Anne Dallas Dudley Boulevard is about 1.2 acres). Located in Clarksville, TN, this one-acre park was built in 2018. It is managed by a nonprofit district improvement organization that programs concerts, movies, yoga, food trucks, pop-up art studio, and winter ice rink. The footprint encompasses an entire city block with pedestrian access at each corner.

The tour of Downtown Commons will be led by architect Matthew G. Lyle, AIA, NCARB, who was instrumental in both the design and advocacy for the project. During the tour, you will also hear from Richie Jones, RLA, ASLA, LEED AP, from HDLA, the Landscape Design firm for Downtown Commons.

For this tour, you will meet us in Clarksville. You can bring the whole family to stay for the Movie in the Park, Parent Trap (1998)! We are hoping that by hosting this in the evening, the heat will not be quite as difficult to manage, and some of the Design Center staff will definitely be staying behind for the movie night.

Event parking and meeting location will be sent prior to the event. You can learn more about the park at Downtown Commons Website. Travel and food are not included with the tour.