Metro awarded grant, donation to develop The Farm at Mill Ridge Park

The Farm at Mill Ridge Park will be getting $4 million in improvements thanks to a grant from the National Park Service, via the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation, and matching funds from the Joe C. Davis Foundation. The Foundation will provide $2 million to match the $2 million grant from the National Parks Service/TDEC to further the community's vision for one of Southeast Nashville's largest parks.

Mayor Freddie O'Connell's Office, Metro Parks, Friends of Mill Ridge Park, the Joe C. Davis Foundation, and other partners are working together to implement the full vision for The Farm which includes creating new spaces for outdoor recreation, nature education, environmental stewardship, and the preservation of Southeast Nashville's history.

The project, funded by the $4 million in grant and donation funds, includes restoring several historic farm features and renovating The Barn into a flexible indoor nature center that can host classes, community gatherings, farmers' markets, and special events.

"This grant will allow us to bring programming and opportunities to everyone that loves Mill Ridge Park. It's the kind of work that strengthens the bonds of a community," Mayor Freddie O'Connell said. "This caps off a great park and recreation month that saw us acquire 300 acres for Beaman Park, open the brand-new Mariposa Park, and now receive a grant to improve Mill Ridge Park."

Coupled with the opening of Mariposa Park, the investment in Mill Ridge Park improves access to park and green space for residents and visitors to fast-growing South Nashville.

"We are so appreciative of the hard work of the mayor and his staff and the herculean efforts of Darrell Hawks and Friends of Mill Ridge Park that resulted in this very significant grant award from the Land and Water Conservation Fund," said Metro Parks Director Monique Horton Odom. "This grant award exemplifies the power of partnership and collaboration and the resulting impact of expanded resources that ultimately enhances the amenities our department can offer to the public, in this case the residents of Southeast Davidson County."

Justine Cucchiara, the Director of the Office of Outdoor Recreation for the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation added, "Expanding access and opportunity for outdoor activities helps inspire healthier lives, stronger economies, and lasting connections to our state's natural beauty. The Farm at Mill Ridge Park will connect residents of a fast-growing part of Nashville to the outdoors, and we are pleased to support the plans for this innovative outdoor space."

Darrell Hawks, the Executive Director of Friends of Mill Ridge Park said, "This investment, combined with the generous support of the Frist Foundation, the Joe C. Davis Foundation, and other private partners will bring our community-informed vision for The Farm at Mill Ridge Park to life with opportunities to grow, share, and gain access to market fresh produce, interact with farm animals, play on farm structures, connect with the land and its history.

"Plus, it will bring opportunities to participate in programs, markets, events, and interactive learning experiences in the community barn, farmhouse, and surrounding farm structures across the park. This innovative park and program model will create new pathways to recreation, education, wellness, economic opportunity, and community connection for generations to come."

When completed, the preservation and renovation to The Barn will help meet the community's need for indoor gathering spaces. The Barn will be designed to serve as an indoor nature center and to accommodate small groups in classroom-style spaces, larger group events such as weddings or festivals, regular farmers markets, and more.

The first phase of Mill Ridge Park opened to the public in August 2023. It is comprised of 622 acres which the Joe C. Davis Foundation helped Metro acquire by forging relationships committed to creating a large regional park for Southeast Nashville.