See the draft designs for downtown Nashville’s new park

The green space will be located on 1st Avenue North near Gay Street

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The design concepts for the future Gay Street Park include Concept 1: Rail Bridge (top) and Concept 2: Meander (bottom) | Designs via Metro Parks, Hawkins Partners, and KCI Technologies

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Did you know Nashville is planning a new park downtown along the Cumberland River Greenway?

The future park could transform what is currently mostly parking on 1st Avenue North near Gay Street into green space for sports, play areas, and community gatherings.

Get involved

If you missed the first engagement round, Metro Parks is seeking feedback on draft concept designs and park elements through Friday, March 31.

So if you can see yourself playing pickleball downtown or want a new stop along the greenway, set aside ~five minutes this week to view the two draft concepts + take this survey. But first, let’s break down the options.

Past meetings and survey responses show residents want to see a few key features, including:

  • Multiple uses, like community gathering areas, garden spaces, native plantings, sports, and playgrounds
  • Increased visibility and easy access to the Cumberland River
  • Thoughtful connections to existing sidewalks and the greenway

The concepts

Both designs include multi-sport courts, lawn space, kid’s play areas, and seating overlooking the Cumberland River. Key differences include the lawn configuration, picnic pavilion design, and features like skating and fitness areas.

Concept 1: Rail Bridge | Lawn space, multi-sport court, kid’s play area, picnic pavilion, a skate spot

Concept 2: Meander | Lawn space for soccer and other uses, multi-sport court, kid’s play area, picnic pavilion, fitness equipment, built-in benches + swing seating

Overall site improvements will include new lighting, updated landscaping, and enhanced views of the river and East Nashville.

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