Metro Parks Plans Ambitious Expansion
Metro Parks unveiled its new master plan draft for the expansion of the region's parks, greenways and other facilities, "Plan to Play." The plan proposes a major upgrade of the park system, to the tune of $667M for capital investments over 10 years, and $534M for land acquisition. To help fund the plan, Metro Parks would keep more of the money it already generates.
Would it be worth it? The plan puts the annual economic benefit of Nashville’s parks and greenways at $550M. That is besides the intangible benefits to nearby properties and to Nashville as a whole, by helping make the city more attractive to new residents and relocating companies.
Some details: the funds would be used to buy more than 4,500 acres in the next decade, which would grow green space to keep up with the county’s population increase; expand greenway land by 130 acres, focusing on river and stream corridors; and add 65 playgrounds, along with 43 ballfields, 50 basketball courts and 46 multipurpose fields.
