Capital projects in Centennial Park are guided by the Centennial Park Concept Plan which provides an overall vision for the future of Nashville’s most iconic urban park.
Phase One
The first phase of master plan implementation was completed in the summer of 2015 and included the daylighting of Cockrill Spring, the addition of Musician’s Corner, parking and landscape improvements around the Parthenon and water quality improvements in Lake Watauga.
Phase Two
Phase Two is a 19-acre zone that includes the Great Lawn, the West End entrance road, lighting and landscape improvements near the Parthenon and modifications to the landscape near the Bandshell. The project was completed in mid-2021.
Great Lawn
The Great Lawn was re-engineered with sports field-quality turf and drainage improvements to look better and recover more quickly after big events and festivals. The lawn is now flanked on each side with 20'-wide pedestrian promenades shaded by double rows of shade trees. The spaces between the trees are designed to accommodate tents and food trucks during events. Proudly standing on the east promenade is the Tennessee Woman Suffrage Monument.
West End Entrance
The West End entrance to the park was redesigned to allocate more space to pedestrians, new entry signage, and new planting beds showcasing seasonal color with pollinator flower and shrub species.
Parthenon Lighting and Landscape
In addition to new landscape and pedestrian improvements, the Parthenon is now illuminated with a new LED lighting system. The lighting is designed to celebrate the iconic structure’s classical architectural features and sculptural details. The lights turn on in a dramatic sequence every evening.
Bandshell Landscape
Landscape improvement near the Bandshell are designed to tie seamlessly into the new paths and access needs of the Great Lawn.
The Children's Memory Garden of Nashville
The Children's Memory Garden serves as a memorial to Nashville children whose lives have been cut short by violence. This embracing and contemplative space replaces earlier improvements that were installed starting in 1996. The new memorial was dedicated in October 2022. Additional information is available at the links below.
Centennial Park Conservancy - Children's Memorial Garden
Children's Memory Garden of Nashville
