How Nashville’s park system compares nationwide

Music City’s park system ranked No. 78 in the US in ParkScore’s annual report and stands eight spots behind Memphis, TN.

A navy and light blue playground set on an astroturf, fenced in area.

Nashville earned 29 out of 100 points for its playgrounds, which is factored into the amenities category score. | Photo by NASHtoday

It’s no secret that Nashvillians love spending time outdoors — but how does our park system compare to others across the US?

The 2024 ParkScore Index by nonprofit Trust for Public Land gives us some insight, ranking Nashville No. 78 nationwide, eight spots behind Memphis. This is a 15-spot improvement from last year, though Metro Parks doesn’t agree that the score is reflective of the park system’s overall impact.

The scores are based on five traits: acreage, access, investment, amenities, and equity. Take a look at a few local statistics:

  • Nashville is home to 248 parks, making up 8% of the city’s land.
  • 46% of Nashville residents live within a half-mile or 10-minute walk to a park.
  • Nashville’s median park size is 16.7 acres, landing it “among the highest” of the cities ranked.

Want more information? View the full report.

More from NASHtoday
The annual awards ceremony will bring chefs from across the region to Music City this October.
Residents can weigh in as the city studies zoning, design standards, and development processes in downtown and nearby areas.
For this edition of Nashville Pairings, I visited a coffee shop and a bakery off Nolensville Pike.
From ballpark staples to a few personal picks, here’s how to do Sounds season right.
Bookmark this guide for a curated list of events taking place each month that we’re most looking forward to.
We asked our readers which women leaders in Nashville business are making history today — you nominated local CEOs, founders, and entrepreneurs shaping the region’s future.
Plus, for the first time since 2012, the Vanderbilt women’s team will host the first two rounds of the tournament
Pack your reusable shopping bags, because we’ve rounded up 17 farmers markets in Nashville and surrounding towns.
Some spots around town are turning yellow, and that’s thanks to Nashville mustard, a small flower that only blooms in our area.
WeGo plans to build a new transit hub connecting bus routes and the WeGo Star, with public information sessions scheduled for March 30 and 31.