The town of Thompson’s Station is celebrating the purchase of 104 acres of open space land. The sale closed last Tuesday and all of the space is to be preserved for public purposes.
The property is located north of Town Hall, comprising much of the scenic vista behind the landmark red caboose. Mayor Corey Napier described the 104 acre tract as “a passive park for an active community”—a testament to Thompson’s Station’s emphasis on healthy, active lifestyles that embrace the great outdoors. “This open space acquisition is a tremendous accomplishment for our citizens and our way of life,” said Napier. “It’s truly something to celebrate: a significant step toward realizing a vision that will be built upon and widely enjoyed for years to come.”
The Town’s Comprehensive Plan was developed in 2011 with extensive public input. Goal 3 of the Open Space/Conservation Element of that document is “[to] Pursue acquisition of land for open space, parks and recreational facilities.” This milestone purchase is possible due to the town’s long track record of fiscal responsibility; Thompson’s Station has operated on a balanced budget since its incorporation and maintains a healthy cash position.
Town Administrator Greg Langeliers said this property is a keystone piece of what the town hopes will one day be a several-hundred-acre “central park” in Southern Williamson County. “The land lends itself to connectivity through pedestrian and bicycle trails, preservation of historic and natural assets—including a portion of the Civil War battlefield—equine and agricultural uses, and various other passive recreation opportunities,” he said. “There are a lot of possibilities here, a lot of avenues through which this property can help realize the town’s broader parks and open space vision.”
