ShareThe initiative began with the Historic Downtown Clinton Youth Board, a dedicated group of students aiming to improve Clinton, Tennessee. Their initial project was modest: securing funding for new trees in a small park outside the public library. They secured funding for the trees, which inspired the sixth-grade class at South Clinton Elementary School to create an installation that would become Townie the Turtle. These students decided on the sculpture's design, materials, and name. REALTOR® Joey Smith, who is heavily involved with the Historic Downtown Clinton group, presented the project to the local association in May 2023.
Upon visiting the park and recognizing the potential to give back to the community, East Tennessee REALTORS® (ETNR) applied for and received a Level Two Placemaking Grant in June 2023, from the National Association of REALTORS® to fund the art installation. Terrapin Hill, a park on a small hill in the heart of downtown Clinton, held a fascinating history. The hill was notorious for stranding terrapins during heavy rains, earning its peculiar name. This quirky bit of local lore, coupled with the park’s proximity to the library, inspired the students to propose a sculpture of a turtle on its back, reading a book. This whimsical idea would transform the underutilized space into a scenic walkway connecting downtown to the main street.
After securing the grant, ETNR collaborated with Historic Downtown Clinton to receive a proposal and contracted Brian Somerville of The Grit Shop, officially commencing the project. Brian designed the sculpture, creating a life-size wood cutout before welding a steel frame. This frame was then covered with a decorative stone veneer, featuring drawings from local Clinton students.
Following ETNR's support, the Tennessee Arts Commission sponsored a storybook trail through the park. The book, written by local author Ray Oliver and illustrated by Joey Smith (the REALTOR® who initiated the association’s involvement), follows Townie the Turtle through historic downtown Clinton, narrating the story of Terrapin Hill and the town's history.
The project culminated in a ribbon-cutting ceremony during the Mosaic Arts Festival in April 2024, in downtown Clinton. The event was attended by notable figures including Lieutenant Governor Randy McNally, ETNR President-Elect Tina Collins-Hefner, the Historic Downtown Clinton Board, the students involved in the project, Clinton City Council Members, and numerous excited citizens. The community warmly welcomed this new addition to their town.
The newly enhanced park quickly became a focal point for educational field trips, drawing students from across the area. Teachers see it as a unique outdoor classroom where history, art, and nature converged. Children eagerly explore the storybook trail, learning about their town's heritage while engaging with the vibrant sculpture. The space provided a hands-on learning experience, fostering a deeper connection to their community and its history. Townie the Turtle now stands as a symbol of community engagement, artistic expression, and the collective effort to preserve and celebrate the town’s heritage.
The association extends its gratitude to Historic Downtown Clinton and their Youth Board for involving them in this project. Special thanks go to Joey Smith for bringing the association into the endeavor and to Katherine Birkbeck for her dedication in making the project a resounding success. Visitors are encouraged to explore this new space at 118 S. Hicks St., Clinton, TN 37716.