A Publication of Greenways for Nashville Spring 2020 No. 22 Generating private support to create, preserve, and promote Nashville’s greenways since 1994 Harpeth River Greenway by Trent Rosenbloom greenprint•2020 Just as spring, arguably the most glorious season on Nashville’s greenways, arrived, our world profoundly changed. Still, the greenways continue to provide spaces in which our community can retreat and revive. For their health and wellness. For solitude and sanctuary. For fresh air and much-needed fun! Greenways for Nashville thanks all who have helped to create and maintain these spaces. See you on the greenways! Shelby Bottoms Greenway by Nathan Zucker Why Greenways? s spring arrives and the natural world comes to life minutes in nature makes you smarter, healthier and around us, the greenways tell a story of connection, more resilient. Walking in nature reduces infl ammation, Arevival, and wellness. During these unprecedented times, improves mood and self-esteem, and reduces anxiety. it is especially amazing to witness the critical role that greenways have played within our community. Nashville’s greenways provide: • A respite from our increasingly dense urban A growing body of evidence suggests an association environment. between access to urban green space, mental health, and well-being. In addition, there is an inverse relationship that • A place for recreation, exercise, and enhanced leading researchers describe as the “urban health penalty” health and well-being. to describe outcomes related to the lack of access to urban green spaces. • Safe corridors for pedestrians and cyclists to move in our city safely, away from traffi c. We know that human history has evolved around an intimate connection to the natural environment. This Now is the time for Nashville to strike a balance between has changed dramatically in urban centers of the last new construction and investment in our greenways. There century, and Nashville is not immune to this change. has never been a more important time. Our separation from the natural environment is strongly Why do you believe that Greenways are important? Let us implicated in increases in both physical and behavioral know your thoughts. If you would like to become more chronic illness as well as a general decline in wellness. involved with Greenways for Nashville let us know that The National Institute of Health says that “with epidemic too. We would love to hear from you. levels of declining wellness, it is more important than ever to identify opportunities to ameliorate the eff ects.” - Pete Wooten, Greenways for Nashville Board President So, what is the antidote? Research tells us that 20-30 2 greenprint•2020 Greenways for Where Did All Our Nashville Board of Green Space Go? Directors Pete Wooten President ashville is growing at an unprecedented rate, both County. Further out, one house per in terms of population and built infrastructure. For four or six acres was required. During Ann Tidwell* Vice President Nyears our “It City” has reported that 80+ people move to this time, most neighborhoods were Nashville every day, and it doesn’t seem that there will be made up of homes with a yard that Berry Brooks any slowing down. In January 2020, the Greater Nashville included trees, places to play, and Treasurer Regional Council released estimates of our region’s growth often a garden. There were wooded Jennifer over the next 25 years. Their report projected a more than areas between homes and sometimes Westerholm 50% population growth for the region and 24% population an open lot where neighborhood Secretary growth for Davidson County by 2045. children could be found playing. Kelly Brockman Now, lots are being radically Natasha Deane While there are numerous benefi ts to residing in a growing subdivided, trees cut down, multiple Sandra Duncan city, there are also severe negative consequences if we do houses constructed, and almost Brenda Gilmore* not work together to preserve our natural land. As open every square foot built upon. To Marie Griffi n spaces are being rapidly developed, we risk losing not compensate for this strategy of built Brandon only the charm of our landscape, but more importantly, the density, more land must be set aside Haumschilt health benefi ts that nature provides. for parks, greenways, and open space. Jacob Kassinger Nashville is a beautiful city - we have fl owing rivers and Greenways are critical to Nashville’s Sharon Kipp creeks, bucolic farmland, rolling hills, and acres of forested environmental vitality and quality of Jeanie Nelson* green space. Years ago, because of our geology, a minimum life. Every neighborhood should have Donna Nicely of one house per acre was mandated for most of Davidson a greenway within 1-mile walking John L. Norris* distance – a place where community Chris Pair members can spend time outside, Ann Roberts participate in outdoor recreation, and Steve Sirls enjoy the benefi ts of nature. Charles Sueing* We must prioritize land conservation Lyndsay Wilkinson throughout the city for the physical Grant L. Winrow* and mental benefi t of all. So please Tyler Yarbro* support Greenways for Nashville and become an advocate for greenways, open space, and a healthy and Ex Offi cio beautiful Nashville. It is vital for all of Monique Odom us and for all future Nashvillians! Director, Metro Parks and Recreation - Ann Tidwell, Greenways for Nashville Cindy Harrison Vice-President & Greenways and Open Director, Metro Space Commission Chair Greenways and Open Space Division Adam Caplan *Mayoral Cititzen Appointee to Young Leaders Greenways and Open Space Council Intern Commission: tinyurl.com/ Sam Deaton greenwayscommission Young Leaders Peeler Park and Greenway Council Intern 3 greenprint•2020 We’ve Come A Long Way! n 2019, Greenways for Nashville celebrated our 25th In 1995, the very first greenway in Nashville was built anniversary as a non-profit organization. When we along the Harpeth River; next came the Shelby Bottoms Ibegan, not a single greenway existed in Nashville. and Stones River Greenways. Strategic advances—the Many people didn’t even know what a greenway was! preservation of the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge, Fortunately, Mayor Phil Bredesen and a small group of construction of the Cumberland River Pedestrian Bridge, local leaders saw how valuable greenways could be for and a master plan to develop greenways along the eight a rapidly developing city. They believed that these linear major waterways – followed. That was just the beginning! parks could help to preserve waterways and open space Today, Nashville boasts nearly 100 miles of paved, multi- and allow users to spend time in nature, participate in use greenways and over 9,000 acres of preserved land. outdoor recreation, and travel between communities, schools, and work. So much has been accomplished in this quarter of a century. Nashville loves its greenways! And, that small The Metro Council created the Greenways Commission group of visionaries in the early 90s has grown into a band as an official division of the Metro Parks and Recreation of thousands of supporters and greenway users. We are Department. In 1994, Greenways for Nashville, a collective proud to partner with Metro Parks, the city, and all of you of individuals from across the county, was founded as in the building of greenways and the preserving of open an official non-profit with the mission of showing what space. Here’s to many more years of working together. could be possible right here in our home. Members visited cities with greenways and held workshops, symposiums, - Ann Roberts, Ann Tidwell, Phil Ponder, community meetings, receptions for Council members, and Sandra Duncan and more. 22 Years Ago: The 1998 ribbon cutting of Nashville’s first greenway, the Harpeth River Greenway, was celebrated by (left to right): Councilman Earl Campbell, Greenways Commission Chair Ann TIdwell, Councilman Phil Ponder, Councilman at Large Ronnie Steine, Mayor Phil Bredesen, Parks Director Jim Fyke, Councilman at Large Leo Waters, Director of Greenways Shain Dennison, and Andrea Conte. Photo by Gary Layda 4 greenprint•2020 Dinner by the Bridge Mayor John Cooper An Evening to Remember n Thursday, October 3, 2019, friends and supporters of Greenways for Nashville gathered together in Cumberland Park to celebrate our 25th Oanniversary, nearly 100 miles of greenways, and a future that includes more greenways across Nashville and Davidson County. The festive evening featured an al fresco dinner under the stars on the Cumberland River Greenway Esplanade at the foot of the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge. This celebratory event was chaired by Sherry and Mark Deutschmann, along with honorary chairs Ann Tidwell and Phil Ponder. As guests entered Cumberland Park, they were greeted with bluegrass music and a refreshing signature cocktail. A visual storytelling production was showcased in the park’s amphitheater, providing a glimpse into the life and history behind Nashville’s greenways movement. Before being seated, guests were welcomed by Executive Director Amy Crownover, followed by remarks by Board President Pete Wooten and Event Chair Mark Deutschmann. When Mayor John Cooper took the stage, he acknowledged the eff orts of his predecessors in building greenways and acquiring open space; and he affi rmed his support, earning cheers from the crowd. Event Chairs Mark and Dinner was enjoyed at signature farm-style tables alongside the Cumberland Sherry Deutschmann River. Every guest was gifted with Nashville’s Greenways