2026 8 18 Regular Session Packet council 1

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RESOLUTION NO. 2026-20 
 
Page 1 of 3 
 
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ATHENS, TENNESSEE, 
DESIGNATING CERTAIN CITY- OWNED PROPERTY IN THE AREA OF PALOS 
STREET, BRYSON STREET, AND RAILROAD AVENUE AS A PUBLIC PARK  AND 
COMMUNITY RECREATIONAL SPACE, PROVIDING FOR ITS INCORPORATION 
INTO THE CITY’S PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN, PROVIDING FOR 
POTENTIAL FUTURE PARK IMPROVEMENTS, AND ESTABLISHING A PUBLIC 
INPUT PROCESS FOR NAMING THE PARK 
WHEREAS, the City of Athens owns certain real property in the area of  Palos Street, 
Bryson Street, and Railroad Avenue in Athens, Tennessee, identified by the McMinn County 
Property Assessor as Tax Parcels 056C A 054.00, 056C D 058.00, 056C A 070.00, 056C A 071.00, 
and 056C A 072.00; and 
WHEREAS, the City Council has determined that these properties are suitable for use as 
a public park and community recreational space; and 
WHEREAS, the City Council desires to preserve the propert ies primarily for public 
recreational, open-space, leisure, and community use; and 
WHEREAS, the City Council recognizes that the propert ies may be planned, developed, 
and improved in the future through the addition of recreational amenities, landscaping, pedestrian 
facilities, seating, signage, lighting, parking, or other park-related improvements; and 
WHEREAS, the City Council further desires that the propert ies be incorporated into the 
City of Athens Parks and Recreation Master Plan so that its potential future improvements, 
maintenance needs, and recreational uses may be evaluated as part of the City’s long -range parks 
planning process; and 
WHEREAS, the City Council desires to provide citizens with an opportunity to submit 
proposed names and comments regarding the future name of the park; and 
WHEREAS, the City Council finds that public participation in the naming process will 
encourage community involvement and assist the Council in selecting a name that reflects the 
history, location, character, or intended use of the property. 
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY 
OF ATHENS, TENNESSEE, AS FOLLOWS: 
SECTION 1. PARK DESIGNATION. 
The following City-owned properties are hereby designated collectively as a public park for 
recreational, open-space, leisure, and related community purposes: 
1. Tax Parcel 056C A 054.00 — 1601 Palos Street;  
2. Tax Parcel 056C D 058.00 — 302 Bryson Street;  
3. Tax Parcel 056C A 070.00 — Palos Street;  
4. Tax Parcel 056C A 071.00 — Railroad Avenue; and  
5. Tax Parcel 056C A 072.00 — Railroad Avenue.  
These properties are collectively referred to in this Resolution as the “park property.” 
The park property shall be administered in accordance with applicable City ordinances, policies, 
park rules, posted hours, safety requirements, and any restrictions established for maintenance, 
construction, emergencies, special events, or public safety. 
SECTION 2. MASTER PLAN AND POTENTIAL FUTURE IMPROVEMENTS. 
The park property shall be included for evaluation and consideration in potential future updates or 
amendments to the City of Athens Parks and Recreation Master Plan. 
Nothing in this Resolution authorizes any specific construction project, contract, purchase, 
appropriation, or expenditure of funds. Any potential future improvement shall remain subject to 
applicable City approval and appropriation requirements. 
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