Sumner County Schools, county commission in dispute over park plans

GALLATIN, Tenn. (WKRN) — Less than two weeks after both sides finally settled on a new school budget, Sumner County Schools and the county commission are again at odds over a planned million-dollar memorial park.

This is a complicated matter that dates back several years. Unlike with the recent budget, the latest dispute is not about needing more money, but rather, who the money belongs to.

The money in question comes from the will of former resident, William Brown. Additional funds of $600,000 were also reportedly acquired via a state grant.

William Brown, who has since passed away, wanted a memorial park to be built on the open land around his home, which is located between Liberty Creek middle and elementary schools. However, there’s disagreement on how this park should look, and who has final say over the funds.

Scott Langford, Sumner County Director of Schools, said this week on social media that the county commission is jeopardizing construction of the park. Meanwhile, the commission says they are trying to follow what Mr. Brown requested.

“We found out about this park and this grant and everything over a year ago. We’ve been asking for this money and when we read the will, we said ‘okay, where’s the money?’” said Sumner County Commissioner Tim Jones. “Where’s the $500,000 cash gift that was given by Mr. Brown?”

“Director Langford is focused on everything except for what Mr. Brown wanted (in his will),” added Commissioner Jones.

On social media, Director Langford detailed the situation from the school district’s perspective.

“When we purchased the land for Liberty Creek, Mr. Brown passed away shortly thereafter, and he was one of the large property owners of the Liberty Creek Campus. He left his entire estate to Sumner County Schools,” Langford explained in a video. “Basically, we can build a million-dollar park for no cost to Sumner County taxpayers.”

Langford’s grand ambition with the land: additional space for cross-country runners.

“We have the opportunity to open an additional cross country course at Brown Park that will benefit the Sumner County citizens and students for generations to come,” explained Langford.

Director Langford then encouraged residents to call their county commissioners and pledge their support for the park. But for the commission, there’s complications.

“Director Langford has created a park plan that involves much of the school’s campus, 88 acres to be exact,” Commissioner Jones told News 2 on Friday. “He doesn’t mention the house in the park that Mr. Brown had in mind. We want to start there, and maybe in the future, these two ideas can converge. But in the meantime, Director Langford is focused on everything except for what Mr. Brown wanted.”

The other issue that exists: who’s the real beneficiary of Mr. Brown’s trust? Commissioner Jones said Brown’s money was meant for the county itself.

“I’m confident that we have the law and procedure on our side. It’s very clear, it’s very cut and dry if you read the will,” said Jones.

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Commissioner Jones expects this park discussion to come up during next Monday’s commissioner meeting on the Monday, Aug. 26. He was direct in what he hopes will eventually happen.

“I would like Mr. Langford to get in compliance with the will and do exactly what Mr. Brown asked,” Jones said.

News 2 reached out to Sumner County Schools in hopes of speaking with Director Langford, but did not hear back as of this publication.

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