Hometown Brandon - Winter 2015

followed, will transform Brandon over the next twenty years into
an even better and more complete community.
Two years ago the citizens of Brandon passed a 2% food and
beverage tax to enhance recreational opportunities across the
city. After careful planning and feedback from citizens, the city
produced a Parks Master Plan that laid out concrete plans for the
future direction of recreation. The first construction project that
went out for bid and is now under construction is the enhancement
of City Park. The old restroom/concession stand facility has
been removed, three new tennis courts have been poured, lighting
has been installed, parking lot enhancements are underway,
and the new restroom/concession stand is under construction.
This enhancement is being done by Cal-Mar Construction and
represents an over $1,000,000 investment in Brandon.
Many have driven by or visited Shiloh Park and witnessed
one of the largest construction projects. Many of the old light
poles have been removed, old concession stands removed; parking
lots torn up, and a construction trailer added. These changes,
though inconvenient, will mean a much-improved Shiloh Park.
Three new fütbol fields along Kennedy Farm Parkway have already
been constructed and will be ready for matches during the
upcoming spring season. McCarty King Construction has begun
site preparation for the new concession stands. Fields 1-8 have
had fence lines moved and new fencing added and will have new
drainage systems installed along with new concession stands.
Fields 1-4 will have covered seating. The Shiloh Park upgrades
will be completed by Memorial Day, 2016.
One major park addition occurred when the city of Brandon
purchased approximately 200 acres of land along Boyce Thompson
Drive. The Boyce Thompson property will be home to the new
Rankin Trails Park, which includes a major trail system, new
baseball complex, and the Brandon Amphitheater.
Initial construction at Rankin Trails Park has begun. The trail
system along the north side of the property has begun to be
cleared along with the site for the Brandon Amphitheater. An
initial clearing for the baseball complex has been completed on
the south side of Boyce Thompson Drive. The construction of this
facility should begin February 2016.
In October, the city announced a partnership with Red
Mountain Entertainment, Neel-Schaffer Engineering, and
Weir Boerner Allin Architecture to construct the Brandon
Amphitheater. The Brandon Amphitheater will be a premier
outdoor entertainment venue, which will showcase some of
music’s most exciting touring artists. The construction of the
amphitheater within a dramatic natural setting is an incredible
opportunity for Brandon that will have a cultural and economic
impact for the city and region for generations to come. The
Brandon Amphitheater is centrally located between Atlanta
and Dallas, Memphis and New Orleans. Construction of the
Brandon Amphitheater should begin February 2016 and will
be open for the concert season in 2017.
Brandon is growing at a very healthy rate, which has given
the city the opportunity to invest back into herself and provide
better amenities for both current and future residents. The
construction, once complete, translates to less time stuck in
traffic, top notch recreational facilities for both children and
adults, and the chance to enjoy a range of entertainment
at a world class amphitheater. These amenities are a
response to recent growth but in turn will promote
future commercial and residential investment for the
city, completing the circle and allowing to the city to
continue improving day to day quality of life. n
Hometown Brandon • 71