Dickson city leaders have taken the next step in expanding improvements at J. Dan Buckner Park, approving a contractor to guide the second phase of the project while officially opening the first phase to visitors.
During its Dec. 1 meeting, the Dickson City Council voted unanimously to authorize a Construction Manager at Risk contract with Hoar Construction, LLC for Phase II. The CMAR approach brings the contractor into the design process early and ensures a guaranteed maximum cost for the work. The City previously amended its agreement with Kimley-Horn and Associates to include design for the second phase.
Phase II will rework the area around ballfield #1, creating three smaller fields, adding a new concession and restroom building, installing a covered batting facility in the former pool area, and constructing a new playground. The project is supported by a $4 million Local Parks and Recreation Fund grant awarded in 2024, which supplements the $1.25 million LPRF grant used for Phase I. Both grants require the City to fund half of the cost.
City Administrator David Travis noted that the contract mirrors those used for other major city projects, including the City Center and the planned aquatic and recreation center at Henslee Park. Hoar Construction will receive $20,000 for pre-construction work and 3.25 percent above costs as the project moves forward.
Phase I of Buckner Park—which includes new basketball courts, tennis and pickleball courts, a fenced playground, restrooms, a pavilion, improved parking, and ADA-compliant sidewalks along Weaver Drive—opened on Dec. 9. A formal grand opening is expected in spring 2026. Travis said the contractor for Phase I, FTM Contracting, is currently being assessed liquidated damages for exceeding the completion deadline.
The renovations are part of a larger parks development effort that began in 2017 when the City hired Kimley-Horn to create a parks system master plan. Since then, Dickson has launched multiple projects, including major development at Henslee Park such as a splash pad, dog park, disc golf course, Storybook Trail, fishing ponds, and extensive walking trails. An aquatic and recreation center, designed by Southern Architecture Workshop and to be built by Solomon Builders, is also planned, with the Dickson County Family YMCA set to operate the facility.
Earlier this year, the council approved an update to the master plan to help support future grant applications and continued expansion of park facilities.
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