IF PLAYING has been a low priority on your agenda, be sure to dedicate some time to it when the new playground is completed at HV Griffin Park. The $750,000 grant from Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) is designed to promote physical activities for all ages and abilities. There will be a specially-poured safety ground surface with inclusive play opportunities for the 2 to 5-year-olds as well as the 5 to 12-year-olds. Nearby will be swings and an area for teens and adults to focus on their own fitness.
BCBS is celebrating its 75th anniversary by building ten of these playgrounds across Tennessee. Shelbyville is one of the lucky recipients. The old play structure has been demolished and the completed playground is slated to be done before Thanksgiving.
And let’s not forget our canine family members. Exciting new plans for a dog park are also underway at HV Griffin Park. Dogs who are able to play and socialize safely with humans and other dogs are better adjusted and lead healthier lives. Dog parks are a great way for humans and dogs alike to meet up and enjoy the company of friends.
HV Griffin Park is the centerpiece of Shelbyville’s Parks and Recreation Department.The Recreation Center with its indoor and outdoor pools is located there.The Rec Center offers fitness facilities and a wide variety of classes. Memberships are available.
Outside the Rec Center are 84 acres of recreation pleasure including picnic pavilions, disc golf, tennis courts, nature trails, and a skate park. There are ball fields for softball, baseball, and soccer. New lighting is being installed for the softball and baseball fields, which will increase access to fields for practice and games for both youth and adult leagues.
Keeping it Fresh
Along with the sidewalk improvements that are underway, the City of Shelbyville is submitting an application for a Downtown Improvement Grant to support the beautification of the Square. With businesses or the city matching 25% of the funds needed, this is an excellent opportunity to freshen up building exteriors, improve downtown aesthetics, and incorporate art for the public.
Imagine how lovely it will be to see the Square freshened up and accessible for all. In the meantime, please remember to support the downtown businesses during the sidewalk renovations.
Coordinated Tourism
The City of Shelbyville is taking giant leaps forward to build on recreation opportunities, community pride, and attract new business and tourists. The city has selected South Central Tourism Association (SCTA) for a one-year contract to increase tourism.
One person from SCTA will be the Shelbyville point person to create partnerships and synergy with local and regional stakeholders. The stakeholders include the media, Bedford County Schools, Uncle Nearest Distillery, Celebration Arena, the Chamber of Commerce, and more.
The City of Shelbyville recognizes the need to take coordination to the next level. This synergy is designed to improve the quality of life of all of the citizens of Bedford County.
Music Videos in Shelbyville
Did you know there have been at least six music videos shot in Shelbyville? Before they were known as “music videos,” Johnny Cash led the way with “Sunday Morning Coming Down” which was reported to be recorded at the Dixie Hotel and the Southside Elementary School playground.
Shenandoah recorded “Leavin’s Been a Long Time Comin’” in 1992. It was filmed in black and white inside the Bedford County Courthouse. The storyline was a reenactment of a 1940’s-era divorce trial.
There are many views of Shelbyville’s square in Miranda Lambert’s “Famous in a Small Town” video. The song and video were released in 2007.
Sara Evans included shots of Pope’s Café and the theater in her 2017 music video for “Marquee.”
In 2020 Lanco released their music video, “What I See.” The video was filmed in Shelbyville with Pope’s Cafe and the courthouse being prominently displayed.
Most recently, the town was excited to host Tenille Arts in May of this year. The Canadian-born country music artist was filming a video for her new song, “Back Then Right Now.”
There has never been a better time to play in Shelbyville. Whether you are excited by increased live events, the new dog park, or getting fit at HV Griffin Park, the City of Shelbyville is eager to help you stay young at heart. -GN
