06/12/2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – June 12, 2026
City of Collegedale Evaluating Future of Imagination Station Following Storm-Related Damage
COLLEGEDALE, TN — The City of Collegedale has temporarily closed the toddler section of Imagination Station playground following significant storm-related erosion that caused a nearby creek embankment to collapse.
The affected area, designed for children ages 2 to 5, was closed after city officials determined that the damaged embankment posed a safety concern.
"The embankment adjacent to the 2-5-year-old portion (toddler section) of the playground collapsed and is now encroaching dangerously close to the playground structures," said Kris McAloon, Collegedale's Director of Public Works.
The remainder of Imagination Station remains open and available for public use.
Located behind Collegedale City Hall, Imagination Station has long been a favorite destination for local families. However, the playground sits within a flood-prone area and has experienced repeated flooding from the nearby creek over the years.
City Manager Jon Holmes said the recent damage has prompted discussions about the playground's long-term future.
"Imagination Station has served generations of Collegedale families and remains a treasured community asset," Holmes said. "Because the playground is located within a floodplain, any repairs involving the creek and surrounding area must comply with federal clean water regulations. The permitting and approval processes could take a significant amount of time, so we must carefully determine the best long term solution for the community and the playground.”
Holmes stated that the playground equipment represents a significant investment in both the equipment itself and the expense involved with installing it. He believes having the playground located next to the creek may not be the ideal situation, but keeping it in the general area is preferred because this area is a central hub for the community.
The City has engaged engineers to evaluate the site and determine what repairs would be required to stabilize the creek bank and restore the affected playground area. The toddler section will remain closed until those evaluations are complete and any necessary repairs have been made.
Once engineering assessments are received, the Collegedale Board of Commissioners will review several options, including repairing the existing site, relocating the toddler playground, or moving the entire Imagination Station playground to a safer location away from the creek.
City officials noted that any future relocation discussions will consider maintaining convenient access to nearby community amenities such as the Collegedale Public Library, The Commons, and Little Debbie Park, all of which contribute to Imagination Station's popularity among local families.
The City will continue to provide updates as engineering evaluations are completed and recommendations are presented to the Board of Commissioners.
For additional information, please contact Collegedale City Hall at (423) 396-3135.
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