CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (CLARKSVILLENOW) – A red ribbon was cut near the entrance of Billy Dunlop Park by Mayor Joe Pitts marking the reopening of one of Clarksville’s most popular parks.

Billy Dunlop Park was closed in October 2019 and reopened on Wednesday, June 24 after undergoing renovations that include planting a riparian or riverbank, which is a barrier at the riverbed to help with erosion, renovations to the pavilion that included new ADA accessible restrooms, repairs to the roof and ceiling and new picnic tables.

Mayor Pitts said Billy Dunlop Park was a special place in his heart, because when younger he worked on a maintenance crew that upkept the park.

The park originally  opened on May 27, 1969, and was taken care of by the Boy and Girl Scouts. It once had a log cabin, but it was later removed and replaced by the pavillion.

The lush nature surroundings has been the place where people meet for community events, parties, family reunions and is well-known for being the place in which many were baptized in the river.

It’s served as a backdrop for photo shoots has been the place where you can hear children play with joy on the playground.

Billy Dunlop was a local man who was involved in the community and had a deep passion for nature. The park is known for its beautiful natural landscape, access to the river and walking path past its infamous bridge.

“His legacy lives on through this park,” Pitts said of Dunlop.

He ended his speech with the popular Robert Frost quote before gathering with Parks and Recreation representatives, city officials, and councilmen to officially reopen the park.

“Two roads diverged in a wood and I took the one less traveled by and that made all the difference.”

Billy Dunlop Park is located at 1930 E. Boyscout Road.