Warm weather is here and the McFee Park Splashpad is open! Sun and water are the perfect recipe for Farragut fun. It was sad for all of us in the Parks & Rec Department to have a summer without the splashpad, and we know the community missed it, too.
Here are some important things to keep in mind as you head to the splashpad this year:
- Due to construction at McFee Park, the overflow parking lot near the playground and splashpad is closed. That means the number of spots within a short walk of these amenities is greatly reduced. There is plenty of parking in the lower lot, but if you’re bringing chairs and food along with little people, you might consider using some type of cart to get everything and everybody there.
- Also due to construction, it may be noisier than you would prefer at McFee Park. This is the price we pay for progress. When the new phase of the park opens later this year, with more open space, trails and tennis and basketball courts, it will be worth it!
- There are new rules for groups visiting the splashpad. If you plan to bring a group of 10 or more, you will need to rent a pavilion. See details here.
- As always, the splashpad may close daily from 2-3 p.m. for maintenance. Please check Farragut Parks & Rec social media before you plan your trip to find out if there is a closure due to a mechanical problem. Also, when you rent a pavilion at McFee Park, you are not renting the splashpad, and we cannot guarantee the splashpad will be running.
Speaking of rentals, it’s time to make reservations for gatherings at pavilions and the Farragut Community Center! Pavilions at McFee Park are already booked on weekends through most of June. The gym has reopened at the community center, and it can be reserved for sports or other events. The Assembly Hall is the perfect venue for a wedding, reunion or business meeting, and two classrooms are appropriate for smaller gatherings. Planning a kids’ birthday party? Be sure to see the birthday party package here, which includes your choice of basketball, look up volleyball, imagination playground, kickball, dodgeball, badminton or whiffle ball.
Gwyneth Carrell
In other positive news, Gwyneth Carrell, the smiling face at the front desk at Farragut Town Hall, received her U.S. citizenship last week! A native of Macclesfield, England, Gwyneth lived in Connecticut for many years before she relocated to East Tennessee with her husband in 2020.
She studied up on U.S. civics, history and geography for her test, which she passed with flying colors, before pledging to defend her new home country and give up her titles. Normally, citizenship candidates attend a group swearing-in ceremony in front of a judge, but due to the pandemic, new citizens take their oaths immediately after passing muster.
Gwyneth, who lived in the U.S. for most of her adult life, is looking forward to voting for the first time.
“I’m 50 years old and I’ve never vote before.”
Congratulations to Gwyneth! We’re glad you’re one of us.
Town of Farragut marketing and public relations coordinator Wendy Smith is your reliable Farragut insider.