Old Mining Site Near Mt. Pleasant Could Become Public Park

Issue #514

August 02, 2025

In this What’s Up Columbia issue…

⛅️ Columbia’s Weather - Partly cloudy / cloudy. Some late showers. High of 86, low of 68.

📰 Old Mining Site Near Mt. Pleasant Could Become Public Park

📌 TODAY: Tennessee Troubadour Drink & Whiskey Launch

🗓 List of Upcoming Events

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

🗓 Know of Some Local Events Not Listed? Send us the Details!

Old Mining Site Near Mt. Pleasant Could Become Public Park

Credit: Duck River Aerial Photography

At its July meeting, the Maury County Commission heard a proposal from Starlink Logistics to donate its Arrow Mines property for public recreational use. The 1,425-acre site near Mt. Pleasant has a long history of industrial use, including phosphate mining and ore processing dating back to the 1890s.

Starlink, represented by legal firm Frost, Brown and Todd, explained that the site had been part of a property portfolio the company acquired in 2001. After decades of industrial activity, the land required significant environmental cleanup. Starlink spent approximately $20 million under the supervision of the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation to bring the site close to recreational safety standards.

Photos presented at the meeting showed the transformation of the site, which now includes forests, wetlands, ponds, and walking trails. While most of the water bodies on the property have been cleared of contamination, the 60-acre Arrow Lake still contains elevated levels of salt and ammonia that prevent aquatic life. Starlink has offered to fund the restoration of the lake to make the entire area suitable for public use.

A local resident has informally monitored the property for unauthorized use, and one legal issue remains involving allegations that a third party polluted the site.

Starlink’s plan is to transfer the property to the state, where it would be managed for long-term public recreation. Discussions are underway with the Tennessee Wildlife Resource Agency to explore potential uses, including hunting, horseback riding, and RV camping.

The City of Mt. Pleasant has already passed a resolution supporting the state’s acquisition of the land. The Maury County Commission followed suit with its own vote in favor, encouraging the state to evaluate the site for use as a park and pledging to explore local support for the effort.

TODAY: Tennessee Troubadour Drink & Whiskey Launch

Join us for a once-in-a-lifetime celebration of Tennessee's newest official state song, "Tennessee in My Dreams," written by Makky Kaylor.

This exclusive event marks the release of a custom barrel of Roaming Man Rye Whiskey, handpicked by The Swanky South in collaboration with Sugarlands Distilling Company!

What’s Happening:

Whiskey Tasting: Experience a tasting of the exclusive Roaming Man Straight Rye Whiskey at Parkway Wine & Spirits in Spring Hill, TN.

Live Music: Enjoy a special live performance of "Tennessee in My Dreams" and various Tennessee centric songs by Makky Kaylor and Brenda Lynn (Brynn).

Bottle Signings: Get your bottle of the exclusive barrel signed by Makky Kaylor of The Swanky South.

Tennessee Troubadour Cocktail: Be the first to try this signature cocktail at Prime & Pint, crafted with the newly released Roaming Man Rye and inspired by Makky’s State Designated title.

Where:

12:30-1:30 pm // Parkway Wine & Spirits in Spring Hill – Live Music, Tasting and Bottle Signings

4-5pm // Prime & Pint in Columbia – Cocktail Launch & Live Music

Special Collaborators:

• Sugarlands Distilling Company – Home of the award-winning Roaming Man Rye.

• Whiskey University – Learn the story behind every sip with their expert-guided tastings.

• Prime & Pint – A local favorite restaurant blending Tennessee roots with modern flair.

• Parkway Wine & Spirits – Your go-to spot for fine spirits and personalized service.

• The Empower Collective – Proudly driving the creative direction and promotional strategy behind this special release.

Why You Shouldn't Miss This Event:

This event isn’t just about whiskey—it’s about celebrating the heart of Tennessee: its music, its people, and its craftsmanship. The collaboration between The Swanky South, Sugarlands Distilling, and our local partners is a true celebration of what makes our state great. Plus, this exclusive barrel pick is a rare opportunity for whiskey connoisseurs and fans alike!

Upcoming Local Events

🗓 Have an event to add? Send us the Details!

Saturday, August 2nd

Sunday, August 3rd

MORE EVENTS COMING SOON!

📌 Mark Your Calendars…

Aug 1-9: Williamson County Fair
Aug 28 - Sept 1: Maury County Fair & Expo 

👇 Click the Links to Learn About our Local Business Sponsors! 👇

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

Saturday, August 2nd

Cross Bridges, Amber Falls Winery, 3:00 - 7:00 PM
Tom & Robert, McCreary’s Irish Pub & Eatery, 7:00 - 9:00 PM
Aberration, Rebel Bar & Grill, 7:30 PM
Nicole Croteau, Jon Wood, & Michael Farren, The Bourbon Gospel - Reservations Here, 7:30 PM
Cross Bridges, Puckett’s, 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM
Eaglemaniacs, The Mulehouse, 8:00 PM
South Bond Crows, Fozzy’s Bar & Grill, 8:00 - 11:00 PM

Sunday, August 3rd 

The Sins, Amber Falls Winery, 1:00 - 5:00 PM
Texas Flood Relief Concert, The Rebel Bar & Grill, 1:00 - 7:00 PM
Elmer’s Tunes, Fozzy’s Bar & Grill, 4:00 - 7:00 PM
Jay Hoppus, Puckett’s, 6:00 - 7:30 PM

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