Metro Parks announced today that the Page Road Parking Lot in Percy Warner Park will officially open Friday, March 8, 2019. Park officials say the new lot - which includes a paved parking area, path to the intersection, and low stone walls and landscaping - will alleviate some of the long standing problems with mud, erosion, blocked cars, and other issues. The new lot is part of a long term effort to solve traffic and parking issues throughout the park.
“Our goal with this project was to preserve the parks’ natural and cultural resources, while also enhancing the quality and safety of the user experience,” said Parks Director Monique Odom. “We feel like we’ve accomplished that goal. The project is now a maintainable facility that can remain open during all weather conditions, protects the environment, offers an improved visitor experience and is compatible with adjacent residences.”
Warner Parks are one of the city’s most utilized green spaces. With well over a million visitors annually and growing, parking pressures have presented challenges. The Page Road lot has long been used as informal overflow parking near the Belle Meade Gates. In 2016 (?) several new parking areas and trailheads were developed, to which the Page Road Lot has now been added. The goal has been to respond to user needs while protecting the park’s natural character.
During peak periods, parking demand at the Belle Meade Gates may still exceed availability. Visitors are encouraged to access the trail and road system from less crowded points of access which include the:
- Percy Warner Clubhouse (which has restrooms), 1221 Forrest Park Drive
- Deep Well, 6921 Highway 100, Nashville, TN 37221
- Gaucho Road, 2628 Old Hickory Blvd., Nashville, TN 37221
- Chickering Road, 1651 Chickering Rd., Nashville, TN 37221
Carpooling, visiting during off-peak periods, and bicycling or walking to the park are other ways to deal with parking limitations.