Proposed Charlotte Corridor Rail-with-Greenway
Metro Parks has an opportunity to pursue a Rail-with-Greenway, a linear park with paved greenway trail for pedestrians and bicyclists, in the North Nashville area. The proposed greenway would tie into the existing 440 Greenway near Centennial Park, follow along an existing rail line owned by Cheatham County Rail Authority (CCRA), and extend to Frankie Pierce Park and the Nashville Farmers Market. Other possible connections to be made include Kossie Gardner Sr., Watkins, and William Edmondson Parks and Fisk University.
What is a Greenway?
Greenways are linear parks with trails that connect neighborhoods while giving users a place for exercise and an opportunity to enjoy the outdoors. They are often located along natural areas like streams and rivers or along railroad and utility corridors. These linear parks provide greenspace for conservation, recreation, and alternative off-street transportation, while also providing habitat for wildlife. This proposed 4 miles of paved pathway would provide residents of all ages and abilities with recreational space to enjoy nature, socialize, and enjoy the many health benefits of physical activity.
Why this Segment?
The Charlotte Corridor Rail-with-Greenway project is a segment of Metro Parks’ vision for the 35+ mile City Central Greenway System, an urban greenway loop encircling Nashville's core as identified in Metro Parks' 2017 Plan To Play: Countywide Parks and Greenways Master Plan . This Rail-with-Greenway connection would link to existing greenway sections in the area including the 440 Greenway near Centennial Park, the Gulch Greenway downtown, and the Cumberland River Greenway.
As North Nashville grows and changes, it is important that the planning process begins before the opportunities for public greenspace, potential pathways, and connections are lost forever. Metro Parks hopes to secure a pathway and learn more about the neighborhood’s priorities, history, and stories along the corridor. Community input will prioritize enhancements and inform design of the proposed greenway.
What is our Process?
The planning for this project began with researching existing plans, case studies, and understanding the history of the corridor. Concurrent to the research, the team launched a three-phased community engagement process. The first phase began with a series of stakeholder meetings. Next, the team facilitated community meetings; then followed by an online community survey. The community input is critical to the process and will guide the team as they develop the route design and determine the desired features. A summary of each step in the process is provided in the Research and Public Engagement Report.
Charlotte Rail with Greenway Report
Metro Parks welcomes your ideas and comments about the Charlotte Corridor Rail-with-Greenway; please email [email protected]. If you are interested in learning more about Metro Parks’ nearly 100 miles of existing greenways, please visit greenwaysfornashville.org.
Please check back for future updates on the project.
Photos and Images Courtesy of Greenways for Nashville.