August 20, 2008
Take your time, but it’s time for state fair to go
A thorough, deliberative process to determine the fate of the Tennessee State Fairgrounds is the right approach.
On Wednesday, four development organizations will present their proposals for the future of the Tennessee State Fairgrounds. The meeting of the fair board, to be held 6-8:30 p.m. in Wilson Hall at the fairgrounds, will not have public comment, though listeners can offer written questions or comments to the groups and the board afterward.
It is hoped that questions and comments will be numerous, because this 117-acre site is a big, colorful part of Nashville’s history, and should not become a footnote in its future.
Demands for a plan for the fairgrounds have been growing, because it has remained undeveloped for years even as the city has grown and changed around it. It currently hosts the Tennessee State Fair every September, a monthly flea market and regular exhibitions, and has as its main tenant the Music City Motorplex, formerly the Nashville Speedway.
The fairgrounds have been in place for decades, but I personally think the existing site would be better served by another purpose. The site is close to downtown and underused, and many of the properties around it have fallen into disrepair. This part of town has a potential for residences and commerce that is going unfulfilled, if you ask me. I’ll defer to whatever consensus appears to emerge, but I think a town center or community park would be excellent choices for this property.
The Tennessee State Fair in its present state has outlived its usefulness. It’s no secret that gang activity is not unusual during the fair, and attendance is not what it ought to be for what is billed as a statewide event. I’d like to see the title of Tennessee State Fair ceded to the larger (and safer) Wilson County Fair or, touching on the idea I suggested on Monday, relocated to the current Hickory Hollow Mall property. Establishing a Six Flags-style theme park with exhibition space suitable for the state fair would be a major and welcome change for Antioch and for Nolensville Road.
![Rob Robinson](http://thinktrain.net/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2007/02/Rob.jpg")
That’s Not Fair : Post Politics: Political News and Views in Tennessee said,
August 21, 2008 @ 7:35 am
[...] Rob Robinson thinks the Tennessee State Fair needs a makeover: The Tennessee State Fair in its present state has outlived its usefulness. It’s no secret that gang activity is not unusual during the fair, and attendance is not what it ought to be for what is billed as a statewide event. I’d like to see the title of Tennessee State Fair ceded to the larger (and safer) Wilson County Fair or, touching on the idea I suggested on Monday, relocated to the current Hickory Hollow Mall property. Establishing a Six Flags-style theme park with exhibition space suitable for the state fair would be a major and welcome change for Antioch and for Nolensville Road. [...]