McKenzie Starts Construction on Mulberry Soccer Complex

McKENZIE (June 23) — The City of McKenzie has moved one step closer to the construction of a soccer complex to be located at Mulberry Park. Members of the City Council approved the master plan designed by TLM Associates of Jackson. The plan includes multiple fields, the construction of a concessions area, the construction of parking lots, the relocation of a portion of Locust Avenue and the potential purchase of residential property along Mulberry Street. There will be practice and playing fields for all ages. Soccer is a fast-growing sport in McKenzie.

McKenzie Industrial Board donated a portion of the land for the project.

Tennessee National Guard is performing the initial dirtwork for the project.

The master plan calls for eight soccer fields, one of which will be regulation in size to accommodate school tournaments. Mayor Ryan Griffin said he and Dr. Justin Barden, director of schools, are working to ensure McKenzie has adequate playing fields for the school teams.

The other fields will be age-appropriate, two or three for each age group.

The goal is to prepare the regulation-sized field with field sodding and possibly a ribbon-cutting ceremony in the Fall of 2025. Progress on the park will proceed as funding becomes available. The first phase of the ten-year plan is estimated to cost the city $400,000, funded with a bond payable in 2028.