History

Crossville’s Centennial Park was originally built in 1992, with the initial phase of the park being called “Crossville Recreational Park”. The park included 4 state of the art adult sized regulation softball fields with field house and concessions, 3 lighted picnic pavilions, ½ mile wood chip walking trail, combination basketball/tennis court area, regulation sized double tennis court, 6 concrete and clay horseshoe pits, 4 sand volleyball courts and a large child play area with sand boxes. Over the years, numerous events were held at the Recreational Park, with a majority of them being softball tournaments. These tournaments generated revenue not only for this city facility, but also for the entire community as they brought in players and family members utilizing hotels, restaurants, going shopping and visiting area recreation. In 2000, a much needed expansion of the park was realized. 22 acres was purchased adjoining the existing facility and designed to house 3 youth sized softball fields, a regulation baseball field, 2 tee-ball fields along with field house and concessions, adequate parking and an extension of the existing walking trail. This brought total acreage of the facility to approximately 67 acres. Approximately 10 acres has been set aside for future development, possibly including a substantial indoor recreation center and both indoor and outdoor swimming pools. With the opening of the new softball complex occurring during the heart of Crossville’s Centennial celebration, Crossville Recreational Park donned a new name, becoming Crossville Centennial Park. The original softball complex took on the name of “Warner Complex”, being named after former city councilman Dave Warner, who had a strong impact in the building of the park in 1992. The new expansion part of the park became know as “Turner Complex”, honoring city councilman Gene Turner, who was instrumental in the building of the new facility. Turner Complex opened in August 2001 hosting the Dixie Belles World Series, honoring Councilman Turner, who died suddenly during construction of the complex, leaving behind a legacy of his dedication. Centennial Park continues to grow and improve. In 2003 the City of Crossville, in conjunction with the local Horseshoe Pitchers Association, constructed 12 clay horseshoe pits at Centennial Park. 2004 saw vast improvement once again with paving of all surfaces of the walking trails throughout the park, totaling approximately 1½ miles. 2005 brought a mammoth pavilion covered horseshoe arena with 12 more clay pits, opening just in time to host the TN Horseshoe Pitchers State Tournament as well as construction of a playground designed specifically to accommodate children with special needs. Still looking toward the future, the city staff, Mayor and City Councilmen and a citizen’s task force continue to investigate and educate the public on the need for and advantages of building a major indoor recreation center with both indoor and outdoor aquatic facilities. In 2007 the City of Crossville purchased a 16 acre piece of property adjoining Centennial Park, bringing the total property to approximately 83 acres. The City of Crossville also purchased a 40 acre parcel of land in the Hwy. 127 North area for construction of the Duer Crossville Soccer Complex. Construction began that fall, anticipating opening for fall 2008. Between a few construction issues and turf problems, actual opening did not occur until the fall CRYSA season for 2009. This complex houses 6 full size regulation soccer fields, currently sub-divided into 7 playing fields, encompassing 12 ½ acres of the property. It also has a field house with concessions and restrooms and 2 small covered shelters. Summer 2013 Centennial Park added a large dog park, with play and exercise areas for both large and small dogs.