About Greenways for Nashville

Our Mission

Greenways for Nashville’s mission is to create, preserve, and promote a system of greenways in Nashville and Davidson County. We advocate for the preservation and protection of natural and cultural areas, development of community recreational opportunities, and acquisition of land for preservation as greenways and parks. As a conservation organization, we are committed to doing our part to ensure equitable access to all members of our community so that they may safely experience an inviting network of greenways to enjoy nature, socialize, and reap the many health benefits of physical activity.

How We Started

Nashville’s greenways initiative began in 1991, when Mayor Phil Bredesen and the Metro Council created the Greenways Commission as a division of Metro Parks to plan and develop a greenway system of trails and open spaces throughout Davidson County. Members of the Commission and Nashville citizens established Greenways for Nashville in 1994 to give the general public a way to support development of the greenways system.

How Does Greenways for Nashville Help?

Greenways for Nashville supports the initiative of the Metro Parks Department and the Greenways Commission, leveraging public and private funds, building trails and enhancements, and preserving land. We are a 501(c)3 non-profit organization founded in 1994. To date, Greenways for Nashville has assisted in developing a significant trail footprint of nearly 100 miles, including the protection of over 2,700 acres of floodplain land and the addition of over 7,000 acres of park land through the Greenways and Open Space Division of Metro Parks. In addition to fundraising, we educate citizens about Nashville’s greenways and provide opportunities for community involvement.