Council agrees to partner with American Battlefield Trust on 37‑acre acquisition, pledges $1.37 million from park impact fees

The Murfreesboro City Council on July 31 voted to partner with the American Battlefield Trust (ABT) on the acquisition of a 37‑acre tract at 3507 Asbury Lane and approved a city contribution of $1,370,000 from designated park impact fees.

Parks staff said ABT has a contract to purchase the property at the appraised amount of $9,400,000 and requested municipal participation, which federal grants often require. If the purchase closes and state regulatory actions on the property are completed, the tract will be deeded to the city under a conservation easement for future passive park development.

City staff said the ABT partnership has previously added more than 70 acres to the park system at no cost to the city and that the proposed contribution would come from already‑designated park impact fee funds. The council approved the contribution by roll call vote.

Staff said the city’s accounting team reviewed the arrangement and determined it is compatible with fund restrictions and grant requirements. The property is intended for conservation and passive recreation and will be deeded to the city upon regulatory completion of the transaction.