Visitors and participants at the upcoming Germantown Charity Horse Show (GCHS) will soon enjoy smoother travels. Following the Board of Mayor and Aldermen meeting on Monday, April 13, the City has officially approved a $150,000 contract expansion to resurface Melanie Smith Lane and its adjacent parking lot.

The project, which is set to be completed by the end of May, represents a strategic investment in one of Germantown’s most iconic regional tourism attractions.

Enhancing the GCHS Experience

As the GCHS continues to grow in scale and popularity, the need for robust site infrastructure has become a priority. The planned milling and overlay of Melanie Smith Lane will:

• Improve Accessibility: Provide a smoother surface for vendors, trailers and participants.

• Enhance Safety: Upgrade the adjacent parking lot to handle increased visitor traffic.

• Support Tourism: Ensure the grounds remain a premier destination for equestrian enthusiasts across the region.

• Optimize Traffic Flow: Streamline access for patrons visiting The Pickering Center and the Germantown Regional History and Genealogy Center.

A Win for Taxpayers

City leadership successfully leveraged outside funding to make these improvements possible. Two-thirds of the project cost - $100,000 - will be reimbursed to the City through a grant from the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development.

"Investing in our roadway system is about more than just asphalt; it’s about preserving our City’s most valuable assets and supporting the events that define our community," Mayor Mike Palazzolo said. 

Project Timeline

The work will be performed by Standard Construction Co. as an extension of the City’s FY26 Asphalt Milling and Paving Program. By utilizing an existing contract, the City was able to secure consistent unit pricing, ensuring the project remains cost-effective and is completed on a timeline that prepares the grounds for the upcoming event season:

• Standard Construction is scheduled to begin milling and patching Melanie Smith Lane and the adjacent parking lot by the Tanner Pavilion on Wednesday, April 15, with work concluding on Thursday, April 16. 

• Additionally, MLGW will be onsite Thursday, April 16, and Friday, April 17, to trim a tree and move an electrical pole toward the south side of the GCHS along Melanie Smith Lane. 

• Standard Construction will then return to begin resurfacing Melanie Smith Lane and the Tanner Pavilion parking lot on Monday, April 20, and Tuesday, April 21. 

• All work is weather dependent.