Councilwoman Sarah Herron

Huge thanks to our city crews and first responders! ❤️

Merry Christmas, Maryville! ✨

As I spend this season with my boys (who are now young men), our family and friends, I feel especially grateful for this wonderful place we call home.

I’m so honored to serve this community where families thrive and people come together to make life a little brighter.

Wishing you peace, joy, and time with those you love in whatever way you celebrate the holidays.

Here’s to a bright and hopeful new year ahead! ❤️

Like so many of you, I’ve been holding Maryville Police Department-TN Officer Justin Brown in my heart and praying for his recovery. If you’re able to contribute to help him and his family, you can do so here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-maryville-motor-officer-justin-brown ❤️

Donate to Support Maryville Motor Officer FTO Justin Brown, organized by Blue Line Tennessee Inc. On Friday, November 14, 2025, Maryville Police Department Mot… Blue Line Tennessee Inc. needs your support for Support Maryville Motor Officer FTO Justin Brown

Thank you is never enough.

Today and every day, I hope every service member, both active and veteran, feels the deep gratitude and recognition this day reminds us to give. Your courage, sacrifice, and commitment to our country make you the best of America.

I’d especially like to recognize my parents who taught us the importance of respecting and serving our country, our community, and our neighbors. Their example inspires me every day.

May we never forget that even when we disagree, we should give thanks for the privilege to do so and remember that we are unified in the freedoms granted to us by the brave men and women who serve.

Happy Veterans Day.

📣 Update on the splash pad discussion:

Thank you to everyone who took the time to email City Council. Your voices made a difference. Because of the feedback we’ve received, the plan is not moving forward as originally proposed.

Instead, City Council will continue the discussion at our next work session. Staff will bring maps of all city-owned parks and properties so we can review alternative locations for the splash pad and consider the pros and cons of each.

🗓 Next work session:
Friday, September 19 at 8:00 AM
Maryville Municipal Building
400 W Broadway Ave, 37801

Please keep sharing your thoughts. This is exactly how community voices help shape decisions in our city.

Grateful to serve,
Councilwoman Sarah Herron

At our recent City Council work session with Parks & Rec, we heard the proposed plan for the new splash pad. Under the current proposal, the splash pad would be located inside John Sevier Pool.

👉 Here’s what that could mean:

* When the pool is open (Memorial Day through mid-August), families would have to pay pool admission to access the splash pad ($5 per person, with children under 7 free).

* When the pool is closed (early May until Memorial Day, and mid-August through mid-September), the splash pad would be free to use.

While I’m glad to see progress on this long-awaited project, I want to be clear: I oppose this plan. A splash pad is a playground—it should be free and accessible to families. Connecting it to the pool creates unnecessary barriers and added stress for parents with young children.

Your voice matters in shaping this decision. I encourage you to share your thoughts:

📧 Email City Council members: [email protected]
(Your email will be forwarded to all five of us).

📞 Call Joe Huff, Executive Director of Parks & Rec: 865-983-9244

(Pictured: Lenoir City Splash Pad)

Splash Pad Update! 🌞💦
So many families have been asking about a splash pad over the past few years, and I finally have good news — funding was approved in June and City staff will share the plan at the August 15 work session (8 am)! If you can’t make the work session, send me any feedback or ideas you’d like me to share.

The proposed location is next to John Sevier Pool. The project is expected to take about 12 months to build, so hopefully by this time next year we’ll be making a splash!

(Pictured: My youngest son at the Dollywood splash pad many years ago… he’s 18 now! Excited for our families to have something like this here at home!)

I’m proud to be part of a community where women-owned businesses are driving real growth and gaining the recognition they deserve. Research shows women entrepreneurs reinvest more in their local economies — supporting one another, creating jobs, and strengthening neighborhoods.

More women in leadership means a stronger, more connected community where everyone thrives. It’s not only equitable — it’s essential for Maryville’s growth and resilience.

In Maryville, female business owners say success starts with community and each other Downtown Maryville is home to a thriving network of more than 15 women-owned small businesses, ranging from bookstores and coffee shops to gift boutiques and cafés.

I’m honored to have been voted second place in the Daily Times Readers' Choice for elected official—runner-up to Blount County Register of Deeds Phyllis Crisp, who is an absolutely wonderful public servant. I wholeheartedly agree with the readers. Phyllis deserves that #1 spot!

It truly means a lot to represent the Maryville City Government. This job isn’t easy, and there are times I stand alone in making difficult decisions. It really lifts my spirits to know that so many readers are paying attention and value the work I do. Thank you to everyone who took the time to vote.

All five nominees do great work serving our community, and I’m proud to be in their company. That said… I may not be able to resist giving Blount County Mayor Ed Mitchell a little grief for getting beat by two women. 😉

🌈 Happy Pride, Maryville! 🌈
I’m sending love and support to all of our LGBTQ+ neighbors and friends—not just during Pride Month, but always. You make our community brighter, stronger, and more beautiful just by being you. I’m proud to stand with you.
With love,
Councilwoman Herron