A new slide for Gilley Pool has been purchased and should be ready to install in four to six weeks. The green and blue children’s slide, a popular feature at the park for two decades, was removed in 2022 after an inspection by City Administrator Nolan Ming and Parks and Recreation Director Jason Scott. They determined that due to the cost of parts for renovation, replacement would be the best route forward. McMinnville officials had already earmarked $53,000 for the 2022-23 fiscal year budget for the replacement of the slide but the bid for the new slide was only $31,275. In-house installation by Milner Center maintenance is also expected to bring down the cost. 

The new slide is just one example of how McMinnville Parks and Rec is working on upping their game for the 2023 season. A Tennessee Department of Tourist Development (TDTD) marketing grant will cover the cost of additional directional signs. The signs would also hopefully help some locals who are unaware of the location of certain parks like the new dog park that was opened Aug. 2020. 

Any additional cost related to the slide and signs should be accommodated by the existing Parks and Rec budget. Currently, Parks and Rec are still waiting on estimates on cost adjustment. Christy Ross and Keval Sheth motioned to pre-approve the new signs and the vote passed unanimously. 

 With the replacement of the slide, Rocket Park baseball field renovations and new concessions being added to various parks, and an increased number of directional signs helping visitors and locals find their way around, summer 2023 looks set to be a success for McMinnville’s parks.