Nashville's Metro Greenways Commission envisions connecting Nashville to the surrounding area through greenways. It is working to expand its system of multi-use pathways along four rivers and three creeks that will form a network of green corridors linking communities throughout metropolitan Nashville. These linear parks will connect neighborhoods to schools, retail areas, offices, parks and recreation areas, natural habitats, downtown Nashville and other areas of activity. As of spring 2005, 19 greenway projects have been completed.
Two notable projects include the Shelby Street Bridge and Cumberland River Greenway Downtown Connector. The historic Shelby Street Bridge was transformed from a vehicular bridge into a multi-user pathway, creating a greenway route from the heart of Downtown Nashville across the Cumberland River to East Bank Greenway in East Nashville. The Bridge, a popular destination, offers views of downtown, provides a gathering place for special events, and facilitates pedestrian access to the NFL stadium from downtown.
The Cumberland River Greenway Downtown Connector, a one-mile urban trail, will connect government employees, businesses and residents to Riverfront Park, located along the Cumberland River. This $1.6 million dollar project was the sixth greenway opened in the last five years.
Goal
Develop regional multi-use trail network