On Monday, the Brentwood City Commission passed a resolution to allow running on Smith Park hiking trails. The City Commission also elected two members to the Park Board and passed resolutions to fund the next phase of sewer rehabilitation.
Marcella Vivrette Smith Park is Brentwood’s newest park that is home to almost 400 acres of preserved land and the Ravenswood manison. The park opened in November, and Brentwood had originally drafted rules that banned running on the trails in the park due to concerns about safety and liability. 
A Facebook group, Runners for Ravenswood, was created by Brentwood runner Richard Kenmuir in response to the no running rule, advocating that runners are responsible for themselves and that the trails should be free for everyone to use.
Community member Julie Rawlin spoke out in opposition to the change in rules lifting the no running rule, saying that runners cause disturbances in the serenity of the nature trails.
“You’re gonna have to step aside or step on something you weren’t planning to step on rocks, or different things to your side. You’re glad they are there but you weren’t planning on stepping on them. I’m concerned about the safety and experience of those affected by the runners,” Rawlin said.
Kenmuir was present at the meeting and made a comment in response to defend runners, saying that speed of those who would run on the trails may be overestimated.
The City Commission unanimously passed the resolution adopting the new rules for Smith Park that will allow running and jogging on designated trails for groups of no more than five. Originally running was approved on the park’s paved surfaces only.
The commission also unanimously approved a resolution to hire CH2M Hill company to continue with the next four years of sewer rehabilitation. The city was given orders by TDEC in 2004 to rehabilitate the sewer system due to overflows at the Little Harpeth basin pumping station where the Brentwood sewers connect to the Metro system. CH2M will be assisting with the sewer rehabilitation process through 2018.
The commission elected Bob Belanfont and Elizabeth Whitamore to the Park Board by ballot. More Brentwood news
