Charlie Daniels Park & Ava’s Splashpad – Come Play in Mt Juliet, TN

Charlie Daniels has given the world two great things.

The first is obvious.

The second is Charlie Daniels Park in Mt Juliet, TN. Planet playground offers fun climbing areas and swings for all. It is fenced in but there are several entrances/exits to the play area.

Planet Playground

Within the playground, there is a covered pavilion and there is a small area of the playscape that is under cover, but for the most part there is little shade so be sure to bring your sunscreen and hats! There are also several large picnic shelters for lunch or a snack.

Need a place for you little one to play? This park has you covered (literally). Safe for crawling with spongy mat floors, this area has swings and things to climb under a large shade tent.

Charlie Daniels Park - shade covered Toddler Playground

In addition to the great play area, there is a walking trail, tennis courts, volleyball courts, a basketball court and a skateboarding area.

There is plenty of parking, and 2 large public restrooms by the ball fields and the playground. There is also a water fountain by the entrance to Planet Playground. As a bonus the park offers FREE WiFi!

Ava’s Splashpad

You don’t need me to tell you that Tennessee summers are H-O-T, so the addition of Ava’s Splashpad to Charlie Daniels Park was certainly a welcomed one.

The splashpad is named in honor of Ava Bright who passed away in 2010 from surgical complications at just 2 years old. 

“It was the life and legacy of Ava that inspired the idea for a place for families to go and enjoy each other and make wonderful memories. Ava had spent many afternoons cooling off and splashing at an aquatic play pad in a nearby town, since Mt. Juliet didn’t have this type of facility. The Avalyn Shaye Foundation set out to change that, raising money to bring an aquatic play pad to their community, and entering in the Make Way for Water Play Contest.

The grand prize winner of the contest, Ava’s Splash Pad opened in July of 2013. With custom air-brushed strawberry and blueberry graphics, monkey and bumblebee water cannons, rainbow arches and colourful dumping buckets, the play pad honours Ava, and continues to spread joy throughout her community.”

https://www.waterplay.com/en/featured-projects/avas-splash-pad/

The splashpad is free for families to use. It is typically open for the season starting Memorial Day weekend and closes up in August. Hours are from 11AM – 6PM Monday – Saturday, 1PM – 5PM on Sundays. Additionally, the splashpad is available for private rentals on Fridays and Saturdays after regular hours from 6PM – 7:30PM.

**NEW IN 2023 — Ava’s is opening an hour early on Tuesdays & Thursdays for a special time slot just for the youngest splashers! On those days the splash pad will be limited to kids ages 4 and under from 10am – 11am.

Mt Juliet Recreation Center

In addition to all the great outdoor facilities, Charlie Daniels’ Park is also home to the Mt Juliet Recreation Center.

Charlie Daniels Park - Mt Juliet Community Center

Inside you will find a weight and exercise room, a full sized gym and a multi-purpose room with a kitchen available to rent. You can purchase a monthly or annual membership or pay the small day use fee to use the exercise equipment and gym.

The Recreation center also offers classes and camps. Check out the Mt Juliet Parks and Recreation website for current offerings.

Family Fun Facts:

Charlie Daniels Park

Location:

Hours: Daylight to 10 PM

Cost: FREE

Lauren headshot

Lauren is a transplant from Texas and has become a local tourist exploring the area with her two children. She loves to discover new places in Nashville to share with others.

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