Montgomery County Parks & Recreation is starting 2026 on a high note—recognized as the first Clarksville–Montgomery County Green Certified (CMCGCP) organization and earning the program’s Gold Level distinction.

This achievement reflects a department that was already performing well and committed to going further. By increasing waste diversion and continuously identifying opportunities for improvement, the Parks team has demonstrated leadership in sustainability and operational excellence.

As part of the certification process, the department implemented meaningful energy-saving measures, including smart thermostat set points, powering down computers and equipment when not in use, installing occupancy sensors, and transitioning to LED lighting at all park facilities. While simple in practice, these actions add up to measurable energy savings and reduced costs.

The department has also made significant strides in water conservation and waste reduction. Efforts include sensor-based irrigation, native and pollinator-friendly landscaping, double-sided printing to reduce paper use, reusing washable cleaning cloths, switching to reusable products, reducing packaging, composting, and maintaining gardens. Preventative maintenance schedules and routine storm drain cleaning further demonstrate a long-term, responsible approach to environmental stewardship.

What truly sets Montgomery County Parks & Recreation apart is its commitment to community engagement. Through a community garden, indoor and outdoor classroom programming, and a wide range of classes, conservation becomes hands-on and accessible. Partnerships with Boy Scout groups, along with youth and summer programs, are helping cultivate the next generation of environmental stewards—fulfilling the vision for the Wade Bourne Nature Center.

Mayor Wes Golden praised the department’s work, noting the lasting impact of these efforts.

“When I worked in the private sector, we pursued ISO 14001 certification to measure our environmental impacts. I know firsthand that it makes a difference, and what you are teaching our youth will have positive effects for decades to come,” said Mayor Golden.

This success reflects the leadership of Parks Director Sally Read, the dedication of her community-focused team, and strong support from the Mayor’s Office.

“I am blessed to have an incredible team of people working to strengthen the community we serve through their expertise and passion. Special thanks to Julianna Johnson for leading the certification effort for us,” said Read.

Expanding on their commitment, the department is launching a new summer camp, Wildlife Watchkeepers, a week-long immersive experience focused on hands-on nature conservation and environmental stewardship. Registration opens at 8 a.m. on Monday, March 2, at: https://tinyurl.com/3vbvpa2y

County Parks & Recreation is also awaiting official designation of Rotary Park as an Arboretum green space. For now, residents can explore an interactive, GIS-based program highlighting individual trees through this Story Map: https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/120f25217ede490e9019847656fffccf

For more information about the CMCGCP, visit mcgtn.org/green or contact Michelle Newell at manewell@mcgtn.net or 931-245-1867.

The Imagination Library of Montgomery County (ILMC) Board will recognize the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday in conjunction with Dolly Parton’s birthday by hosting a community movie screening of 9 to 5 on Monday, January 19, at 2 p.m. at the Trahern Theater, located on 8th Street on the campus of Austin Peay State University. At 1:30 until the start of the movie, parents and children can enjoy coloring and writing birthday cards to Dolly Parton in the hallway outside the theater. Books and cupcakes will also be available for the children, along with a reading corner where some of ILMC’s all-time favorite books will be shared.

The 9 to 5 featured film was selected to honor Dolly Parton’s 80th birthday and one of her most iconic movies, originally produced in 1980. The screening celebrates both Dolly Parton’s impact on entertainment and her lasting legacy in literacy through the Imagination Library program. The film is rated PG and recommended for children eight and older. 

The event is open to the public. Parking will be available and FREE on campus that day.

While admission is free, donations of $15.60, made by card or check, which covers the cost of Imagination Library books for one child in Clarksville–Montgomery County for an entire year, would be greatly appreciated. Access to books in the home provides all children an opportunity to develop early childhood reading skills and creates valuable bonding time with adults and siblings.

The Imagination Library of Montgomery County provides high-quality books to children from birth to age five, at no cost to the families, helping to build home libraries and support early learning across the community.

For more information about the Imagination Library of Montgomery County and how to sign up your child, please go to https://montgomerytn.gov/publiclibrary/kids/reading-pre.

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Last Edited: December 19, 2025 @ 2:46 pm

Montgomery County Government, in coordination with the City of Clarksville Street Dept. and Parking Authority, will be closing 3rd Street between Commerce and Franklin Streets starting at 6:00 AM on Saturday, December 20, 2025, to complete the downtown roofing project on the Montgomery County Courts Center Facility.

A crane and all associated equipment that will be used to accomplish this replacement will block this segment of the street and parking for this important project for the County. Parking meters will be bagged at the end of the day on Friday, December 19, to prevent vehicles from parking overnight and blocking the road closure beginning early Saturday morning. The roadway is anticipated to be open to all traffic by noon. 

Drivers should be aware of this closure downtown and plan driving routes to avoid 3rd Street.

Last Edited: December 17, 2025 @ 7:47 pm

Montgomery County Government offices will be closed on Wednesday, December 24, and Thursday, December 25, for the Christmas holiday; on Friday, December 26, for facility maintenance; and on Thursday, January 1, 2026, in observance of the New Year holiday.

Please remember the health and public safety teams who continue to work tirelessly to keep our community safe throughout the holiday season.

For online services available through Montgomery County Government, visit the GOV tab at montgomerytn.gov.

Last Edited: December 16, 2025 @ 3:31 pm

Montgomery County will host its third New Year’s Eve Party at the Downtown Commons, at 215 Legion Street, on December 31, 2025, beginning at 9:00 p.m. Guests will enjoy live music, food trucks, drinks, and a balloon drop to celebrate the start of 2026!  

“We’re thrilled to celebrate the third year of this event with the community,” said Montgomery County Mayor Wesley Golden. “The entire Downtown Commons turf will be covered with heated tents, and we’re bringing back a live 10-piece band, local food trucks, drone shows, and a photo booth. After welcoming over 3,000 guests last year, we can’t wait to ring in the New Year with everyone again.” 

Austin Peay State University proudly serves as the presenting sponsor of the evening, ensuring a night to remember! Austin Peay will bring the party to life with two drone shows designed by Austin Peay Animation students, then ending the event with a balloon drop in Austin Peay’s signature colors: red, white, and black. 

Austin Peay will also offer free parking on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, with the exception of Lots 22, 23, 77, and 28, which will be reserved for event preparations. Please visit apsu.edu/parking for more information.  

We encourage visitors to start their evening by dining at one of our downtown Clarksville restaurants, and beginning at 9:00 p.m., guests can explore a variety of food options on-site at the Downtown Commons. Enjoy delicious offerings from food trucks like Kadi’s Tacos, Blondie & Brownie, Fryz Wit Dat, Smash’n Beef Co, E’s Squeeze Lemonade, and Happy Buns Hot Dogs. Thanks to our bar sponsor, TriStar Beverage, refreshments will be available at three digital cash bars throughout the night. 

The Montgomery County New Year's Eve Party promises an unforgettable celebration as the community rings in 2026 together at the Downtown Commons. With live entertainment by Music City Sound, delicious food and a free photo booth, the stage is set for this event to build on the success of the past year's festivities. Whether you are a local or visiting for the holiday, don't miss this night of fun, connection, and excitement under the stars as we welcome the New Year in style! 

Photo Credit: Cultivated Co.