By Jonathan Canaday
Guest writer
An eroded brick wall is one of the main issues a new revitalization group is facing as it advocates for a pocket park in Nashville.
A group of local individuals met with the Nashville Chamber of Commerce Board on Thursday, July 16, to discuss the possibility of a pocket park, which would be located on an empty lot at 108 North Main Street.
The property was deeded to the City of Nashville at the end of September 2022, and the building was demolished due to its deteriorating condition.
Chamber Executive Director Dena Tollett wanted everyone interested in the project to participate in the meeting and share their thoughts and ideas.
Plans are to pursue grant funding for the estimated $50,000 cost to renovate the site. The City of Nashville has already contributed a concrete pad valued at approximately $4,000.
Nashville Mayor Larry Dunaway said the brick wall to the south presents a liability and safety hazard for the proposed pocket park site.
The outer wall is an existing fire wall that once separated two buildings and is now crumbling, with pieces of plaster and brick scattered on the ground.
Dunaway said the wall presents a challenge because the city does not own the property on the opposite side of it. That building, located at 106 North Main Street, has experienced other stabilization issues but is not currently condemned.
According to “The Trust for Public Land,” the concept of a pocket park is not a new idea and can be an effective economic development tool.\
Pocket parks were a product of post-WWII reconstruction in Europe.\ Park features are determined by context of location and by community needs.\
To strengthen future grant applications, a separate revitalization group is being formed and will seek nonprofit 501(c)(3) status. The organization will function as an arm of the Chamber of Commerce and work to strengthen downtown Nashville.
Similar Main Street programs in other communities support local events, beautification efforts, business growth, and historic preservation.
Current plans call for the pocket park to include a stage and seating, which will be open to the public.\ The chamber board and others present discussed a variety of events that could utilize the space.
The lot has been home to a Nashville business since 1900. According to historical research, it was also the office location of the town’s first mayor, Dr. David A. Hutchinson.
He practiced medicine for 60 years, including approximately 52
years in Nashville. Dr. Hutchinson faithfully served the people of Nashville from 1882 to 1934.
He was widely respected and held several other positions that benefited the community, including County Health Officer and a position on the school board. Some historical reports also identify him as the school superintendent. \
None of the plans for the proposed project are set in stone at this time. Many local residents have expressed interest in an art mural at the proposed location.
Another idea discussed was recognizing Nashville’s heritage families and celebrating the industries that helped shape the community, such as peaches and poultry.\
Main Street is the site of the annual Peach Blossom Festival.\
Nashville is also unique in being the location of a sauropod dinosaur trackway discovered in 1983 and again in 2011- possibly the largest dinosaur trackway in the world.
If you have any concerns or would like to assist the new group with this project, please contact Nashville Chamber of Commerce Director Dena Tollett at 870-845-1262 or [email protected].
