CENTENNIAL PARK REVITALIZATION

Upcoming Park Improvements

Park Plaza/Event Pavilion Phase (IN PROGRESS)

The Park Plaza/Event Pavilion Phase will revitalize the Park Plaza section of the park - our connection to North Nashville. In fall 2024, Metro Parks and Centennial Park Conservancy will break ground on a series of ambitious projects focused on the north sector of Centennial Park:

1. The construction of a new vehicular grand entrance along Park Plaza. It will increase access along the Park’s northern boundary, as well as create a new multi-modal pathway from the 31st Avenue to enhance pedestrian access from the north and into the Park and strengthen Centennial Park’s connections to future expansion of the 440 Greenway.

2. The revitalization of the historic Croquet Clubhouse structure into a cafe. Proximity to the new entrance along Park Plaza will provide exposure and serve customers from around the Park. This project will create a sustainable new source of revenue to further support the Centennial Park Beautification Fund.

3. Construction of a new Event Pavilion; shifted to the eastern banks of Lake Watauga, this new space will further expand the Park’s entertainment and event-hosting capabilities via a world class events pavilion where the Nashville community can gather for various types of events. It will bring our community together by serving as a destination for ongoing local events, nonprofit fundraisers, music performances, festivals, educational children's activities, lectures, and the park's popular Big Band Dances.

Completed Park Improvements

The Cockrill Spring/Lake Watauga Phase

The Cockrill Spring/Lake Watauga Phase, completed in 2015, was a $9 million public/private partnership that improved the water quality of Lake Watauga, unearthed long-buried Cockrill Spring, built a dedicated space for Musicians Corner, created a new parking area surrounding the Parthenon, and introduced bees to pollinate the park.

The Great Lawn Phase

The Great Lawn Phase, which phase broke ground in summer 2019 and was completed in 2021, focused on the 19-acre zone that includes the Great Lawn, the West End entrance road, lighting and landscape improvements near the Parthenon. The Great Lawn was re-engineered with sports field-quality turf and drainage improvements to help the lawn’s recovery after events. Two pedestrian promenades shaded by double rows of trees were created to border both sides of the lawn. The redesigned West End entrance allocated more space to pedestrians, new entry signage, and new planting beds that showcase seasonal color. Additionally, the Parthenon is illuminated with a new LED lighting system designed to celebrate the iconic structure’s classical architectural features and sculptural details.

VIEW THE GREAT LAWN PHASE COMPLETION PRESS RELEASE

The Children’s Memory Garden

The most recently completed phase completely redesigned the The Children's Memory Garden. The pastoral space located in the west area of Centennial Park to the rear of the Parthenon serves to remember local children who lost their lives to violence. As part of the Centennial Park Revitalization, the Children’s Memory Garden was redesigned by Nelson Byrd Woltz to restore its dignity and peace, and to make it accessible to all with the help of Dowdle Construction.