Downtown Commons: What's in store & more!

By Tony Centonze

The heated debates that took place during the beginnings of Downtown Commons are now just faded memories of the few. While, for many, fond memories and new family traditions are being created at the little park in the heart of downtown Clarksville.

Paula Atkins is the Event Planning Manager for Downtown Commons on behalf of Montgomery County Government.

“This is our third ice rink season, and we've been open for two summers,” Atkins said. “The rink is a challenge, mainly because of weather. With it being outside and open-air, we are at nature's mercy. Apparently, wind is a huge factor. I didn't think that would be a thing, but the friction it creates going across the ice causes a faster melt-rate. Rain isn't as bad as wind and sunlight.”

Atkins is referring to the very popular ice rink that first opened during 2017's holiday season. The current rink is approximately 42 x 82, slightly larger than the rink used during the first season. The orientation has also changed over time.

“This now fits perfectly into our space,” Atkins said. “The rink opens in late November, coinciding with Christmas on the

Cumberland, and remains open through January 20th this year, which is MLK Day. We would love to see 20,000 – 25,000 people this season. We are slightly behind our projections so far, but haven't started our full schedule yet.”

While school is out, December 20 – January 6, the rink opens Monday – Saturday at 10 a.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m.

“With school being out and families coming into town, parents are always looking for something fun to do,” Atkins said. “The ice rink is a great option. We try not to sell more than 125 tickets per session. Over that amount, the ice tends to get a little crowded. We have already sold out a handful of times his season, especially Christmas parade night. Lots of people came by before the parade, then many came back afterward. It was a beautiful night.” Atkins says she gets a lot of feedback from park-goers, and it's almost always positive. “We're very happy with the response we've gotten,” Atkins said. “I've not had one person say this is a bad thing. This has been wonderful. People are making new memories, and expanding their own holiday traditions. Now, they're bringing friends and family from out of town. We're drawing people from all over Southern Kentucky and Middle Tennessee.”

Clarksville's Christmas Parade and SpiritFest seem to put Downtown Commons front and center during the holidays.

“This was the fifth year of SpiritFest,” Atkins said. “That event was created to increase downtown traffic flow before the parade. We provide an outdoor stage for groups to perform on, and of course the ice rink. It's just more for people to do. We saw an amazing turnout this year. Thousands came out for the parade, but just in our 4-block area I saw close to 1,000 people here for SpiritFest. We had school choirs and the folks from Dance Force. It was a great opportunity for school kids to showcase what they've been working on.”

This past season, April to October, Downtown Commons had a minimum of two events or activities per week. Atkins has partnered with a lot of agencies to provide free entertainment and activities that includes yoga, art classes, I stroll: Mommy and Me classes, and more.

2019 also featured the Friday night concert series Downtown at Sundown, MicCheck Mondays, and the Worship Night concert series on Wednesdays.

“Downtown at Sundown will be back in 2020, May – October, the 1st and 3rd Friday of each month, excepting for July 3rd, that's the night of the city's fireworks show,” Atkins said. “Worship Night is being expanded to the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month, and that's April to October. We just sent out a notice to local churches that we were looking for people to perform, and got an amazing response. “Mic-Check Mondays was a singer/ songwriter thing that we did in June and July. That was a Visit Clarksville event that might not be back in 2020. Other local businesses seem to be able to present open mic night better than us. We watch what others are doing and go into the markets that are under-served. We don't want to compete with our local businesses.”

Another element of Downtown Commons is the events that are hosted by outside entities. Atkins talked about successes in that area.

“Bikers Who Care hosts Red, White and Brewfest in June, and Oktoberfest in October,” Atkins said. “Those are both fantastic events. BWC does a great job with everything they do. For us, it's an added feature for downtown. They are able to market to people whom we normally don't reach. People come for an event like Brewfest, they see the park for the first time, and want to come back.

“For Oktoberfest, we worked with the city and found dates on which all four streets surrounding the park could be shut down. That set-up really opened up the event this year. We're sure Oktoberfest will continue to grow.”

Atkins talked also of the success of ArtLink's Chalk Walk, and Loaves and Fishes' Louisiana Saturday Night. Fuel the Bus was a last-minute event that Atkins created with CPD Officer Samantha Kellet.

Event Planning Manager, Paula Atkins

“Samantha and I, working with the F.U.E.L. Program were able to get City of Clarksville, Montgomery County, and First Responders involved,” Atkins said. “Everyone did a great job of bringing in food donations for CMCSS students. I've never seen that much snack food in one place in my life. It was really cool.” Atkins says there is something going on at the park every single day, especially in the warmer months, weather permitting of course.

“Any given night, you'll see college students out there,”Atkins said. “They bring a game called Spike Ball. Some are playing, others are studying. During the day, lots of moms bring their kids to play in the water feature, and get ice cream from Golly G's. Several different church groups hold Bible studies here. Some people even bring their personal trainers and do workouts right there on the grass.

“You don't have to call ahead, just check our calendar and make sure there is nothing going on that would hinder what you're wanting to do. If it's clear, just come on out and have fun. It's open for birthday parties or even just hanging out with friends.”

Atkins is leaving at the end of January to pursue some personal opportunities, but sees herself coming back to a bigger and better Clarksville.

“I will keep a close eye on what's happening here,” Atkins said. “So much is happening with the Multi Purpose Event Center project, and the developments Charles Hand is proposing. I foresee coming back to a place that looks much different.”

Atkins wanted to remind everyone to check out the 3 on 3 Pond Hockey pick-up games. Also, the 3rd Annual Mayors vs Generals Broomball match in January, which will be preceded by the inaugural Guns vs Hoses match, that's Clarksville Police Department vs Clarksville Fire Rescue.

Thursdays you can get 90-minute sessions on the ice for just $5. For information, search Downtown Commons on Facebook or Google. And, while you're at the park, log in to DC's free wi-fi, Just follow the prompts on your device.