Project Abstract

Issues that initiated this project include the inadequacy of the existing auto tour route in its ability to allow visitors to experience the important historic elements of the battlefield effectively and gain a sense of place; a lack of accessibility along the route for visitors with impaired mobility; safety concerns for visitors, employees, and the general public; conflicts between pedestrians, bicycles, and motor vehicles; the need to restore the cultural landscape of the battlefield; and a desire to address the changing community infrastructure surrounding the park. Suburban growth is rapidly engulfing the non-contiguous lands of the park, diminishing the visibility of the park as a prime community asset and degrading the park experience for the visitor. The project will allow the park to emerge within the community and form connections with its developing infrastructure, including major automobile routes as well as pedestrian and bicycle recreational trails, which connect with the Murfreesboro Greenway System. The project improves the park visitor experience while enabling both the National Park Service and Stones River National Battlefield to accomplish mission-oriented goals.

-- Excerpt from Improvements to the Self-Guiding Tour Routes Submission Form --

Overview

The National Park Service (NPS) is leading a project to improve the effectiveness of the self- guiding interpretive program at Stones River National Battlefield in Tennessee, including new tour routes, road segments, trails, and wayside exhibits. Stones River National Battlefield is the site of the Battle of Stones River, a key Civil War battle that took place over a three day period from December 31, 1862, to January 2, 1863. The present- day battlefield consists of several non- contiguous sites where historic elements of the battle are located. An auto tour route and pedestrian trails lead visitors to these areas for interpretation. The existing interpretive routes are poorly designed and do not fully communicate the story in a logical sequence. The tour route and trails do not offer consistent visitor experiences. In addition, the waysides along the tour route were developed in the early 1960s and the current route does not incorporate many of the areas that have recently been acquired for their historical importance.

This project satisfies many of the goals of Context Sensitive Solutions (CSS). Completion of a Development Concept Plan / Environmental Assessment (DCP/EA) in 2005 included input from varied stakeholders early in the process. An interdisciplinary NPS team included those most familiar with the resources and community and the planning process encouraged participation from and communication with a diverse set of interested parties and stakeholders. Safety and preservation of natural and cultural resources were considered essential by directors of the project and this approach was supported by input from stakeholders in the community and its necessity confirmed by partnering government agencies. The project integrates the multi-modal transportation goals of the federal, state, and local governments, expanding the accomplishments of the project beyond the land boundaries of the park. The project both preserves and enhances the environmental, scenic, aesthetic, historic, and natural resources of the park and the surrounding community. Designed to high standards of excellence in accomplishing its goals, the project will add value to the community while improving the interpretation and preservation of battlefield resources.

CSS Qualities: Process

Development of the project through the Environmental Assessment process ensured that an inter-disciplinary team sought the inclusion of a full range of stakeholders. Rigorous graphic and textual documentation helped to make sure that those involved with the development and review of the project, including partnering government agencies, found information accessible and were able to provide feedback as needed. In March 2004, the park published a newsletter (also available on the park’s website) that described park resources, purpose and need of the proposed tour route improvement project, the planning process, project goals, and schedule of the environmental assessment. In the spring and summer of 2004, the park also held public meetings for development of the DCP/EA . The park held a public scoping workshop in Murfreesboro on March 16, 2004. A second newsletter, describing draft alternative concepts for improving the tour route, was sent to interested parties and stakeholders in October 2004.

CSS Qualities: Outcomes

Benefits for stakeholders of the project include an improved and more appropriate experience of the park and historic battlefield, enhanced accessibility, a greater degree of safety, more varied opportunities for use of the park, and preserved and enhanced natural and cultural resources. Enhanced connections to the city’s recreational amenities benefit the current users of either resource and helps to better integrate the park into the surrounding community. Enhanced visibility of the park encourages its use to a greater extent, increasing its value as well as that of the community.

   Improvements to the Self-Guiding Tour Routes Submission Form