💰 Why these corporations received huge tax breaks

💰 Corporations Receive Tax Refund

Last year, the state legislature cut our business franchise tax, and allowed companies to apply for a rebate. The list of companies receiving the $1.5 billion in tax refunds from the state has been released, and includes Nissan, FedEx, Amazon, and the Lee Company, which our governor owns. [Nashville Banner]

📝 How To Contact Your Local Representatives

On today’s City Cast Nashville podcast, we’re getting you ready for tonight’s public budget hearing with tips on speaking at Metro Council. Plus, how to contact your representatives at the local, state, and federal levels. [🎧 City Cast Nashville]

🏙️ Sanctuary City List Disappears

Over the weekend, the Department of Homeland Security removed its list of sanctuary cities, to which Nashville had recently been added. Two House committees are still investigating Mayor O’Connell’s response to immigration enforcement, and have demanded documentation from the mayor’s office by June 12. [Tennessee Lookout]

• The federal interest in Nashville’s immigration response might lead to increased enforcement. [🎧 City Cast Nashville]

✈️ Rideshare Changes at the Airport

To streamline traffic, rideshare drivers will no longer be allowed to drop off passengers curbside at the BNA terminal entrance. Rideshare pickup and drop off will now be at the Ground Transportation Center — a ten-minute walk to the terminal — on the bottom level of BNA’s Garage Two. [The Tennessean]

• How to find cheap BNA flights [🎧 City Cast Nashville]

One of my daughter’s favorite things to do in the summer is to cool down at local splash pads. I love it too, because it’s typically free, and an easy way to spend several hours. As a heads up, the splash pads at Wasioto Park and Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park are currently not working (and rarely are), so I didn’t include them in this list. Here are my favorite splash pads in the Nashville area that are open.

Watkins Sprayground

Where: North Nashville

When: Weekdays 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m., Weekends 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

Details: This fenced splash pad beside a small playground is in Watkins Park, right by a library branch. With bathrooms and picnic shelters, it’s easy to spend an entire day here.

Kirkpatrick Sprayground

Where: East Nashville

When: Weekdays 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m., Weekends 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

Details: Kirkpatrick Sprayground is a small but fun place to cool down. It’s also fenced, with a small playground beside it. A nearby community center has bathrooms, but parking can be a bit tricky.

L.L. Burns Park

Where: Kingston Springs

When: 6 a.m.-8 p.m. every day

Details: It only takes 15-20 minutes to get to this small town west of Nashville, and the park is typically not too crowded. The splash pad is near a playground, picnic shelters, bathrooms, and hiking trails. There’s very little shade, and sometimes the playground gets too hot to play on.

Brentwood Splash Park

Where: Brentwood

When: Tuesday & Thursday 4-7 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday 1-5 p.m.

Details: It’s worth paying the small fee ($3 for kids, $5 for adults) to cool down at this large splash pad with multiple slides and play structures. There’s also a pool!

Splash Pad at Peay Park

Where: Goodlettsville

When: 10:30 a.m.-8 p.m. every day

Details: This is a super fun fenced splash pad. A nearby playground and bathrooms make it nearly perfect, though it once again suffers from a lack of shade.

Municipal Recreation Complex Splash Pad

Where: White House

When: Monday-Saturday 9 a.m.-8 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m.-6 p.m., closed Wednesday

Details: This large fenced splash pad has a pirate ship and a playground located on the other side of the bathrooms. It’s behind the White House library.