Hendersonville Honors The Oak Ridge Boys with Bridge Dedication

Hendersonville, Tennessee, is set to pay tribute to its esteemed residents, The Oak Ridge Boys, by dedicating a bridge in their honor.

 

The ceremony is scheduled for Tuesday, October 21, at 10:00 a.m. at Memorial Park, where the bridge crossing Drakes Creek along Johnny Cash Parkway will be officially named "The Oak Ridge Boys Bridge."

 

In the spring of 2024, the Tennessee Legislature passed Senate Bill No. 1594 and House Bill No. 1607, designating the bridge on Highway 31E, extending from Clearview Circle to Conway Twitty Lane, as "The Oak Ridge Boys Bridge."

 

This initiative was championed by State Representative William Lamberth, with support from the entire Sumner County delegation, including Senator Ferrell Haile, Representative Johnny Garrett, and Representative William Slater.

 

The effort was strongly advocated by Hendersonville Mayor Jamie Clary and Parks Director Andy Gilley.

 

Andy Gilley emphasized the group's deep ties to the community, stating, "The Oak Ridge Boys are part of the fabric of our community here in Hendersonville and part of the fabric of the history of country music."

 

He highlighted their contributions to the city's development, parks, and schools, noting that their music has served as a "bridge for multiple generations and genres over the years."

 

Mayor Jamie Clary echoed these sentiments, remarking, "The Oaks have been Hendersonville’s spotlight for decades."

 

He acknowledged their consistent promotion of the city on various platforms and their support for local families, adding that the bridge will serve as a reminder of their central role in the community.

 

Duane Allen, lead singer of The Oak Ridge Boys, reflected on the city's growth since he joined the group in 1966, noting the population increase from less than 500 to approximately 65,000.

 

He expressed gratitude for the honor, hoping that the bridge will hold as much significance for others as the city does for him.

 

Bass singer Richard Sterban emphasized the personal significance of the honor, stating, "There is no greater honor than to be honored by your hometown."

 

He highlighted their long-standing residence in Hendersonville and the memories they've created there.

 

Baritone singer William Lee Golden shared his appreciation for the city's tribute, recalling his joy in capturing the beauty of Old Hickory Lake and the surrounding hills since becoming a resident in 1965.

 

He also mentioned raising his four sons in the town, expressing gratitude for the community's support.

 

The dedication ceremony will take place at Memorial Park, located at 151 Johnny Cash Parkway, Hendersonville, TN 37075.

 

The event will commence promptly at 10:00 a.m., followed by light refreshments provided by Myers Front Porch.

 

Residents and fans are encouraged to attend and celebrate this significant occasion.

 

In related news, Sumner County has been actively engaging the community in planning for future growth.

 

In January 2025, the county launched the "Sumner 2050" initiative, a comprehensive land use plan aimed at guiding development in unincorporated areas.

 

Residents were invited to participate in surveys to provide input on the county's growth and development strategies.

 

Additionally, in June 2025, Sumner County implemented a new $1.50 adequate facility tax on all new developments.

 

This measure aims to ensure that infrastructure keeps pace with the county's rapid growth, addressing the needs of the expanding population.

 

These initiatives reflect Sumner County's commitment to thoughtful and sustainable development, ensuring that the community continues to thrive while honoring its rich history and cultural heritage.

 

The dedication of "The Oak Ridge Boys Bridge" stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of the group and their profound impact on Hendersonville and Sumner County.

 

As the community gathers to celebrate this honor, it also looks forward to a future of continued growth and prosperity.