In 2017, Metro Parks Department put together the Stones River Bend Park Master Plan, which mentions a proposed new pedestrian bridge joining Peeler Park with the planned expansion. It also mentions the possibility of a ferry to cross the Cumberland around this area. I recently reached out to the Parks department regarding this, who said, “This is a design idea at this point, and we are looking at connectivity opportunities.”
To highlight the significant impact a pedestrian bridge would have here, I rode from Stones River Bend greenway to Peeler Park. Directly across the river, it’s about 600 ft. Taking the quickest way around, it’s over 15 miles – on some unwelcoming roads for cyclists.
Greenways for Nashville, a local non-profit, says, “Peeler Park is a large pastoral park tucked away at the end of a long curve in the Cumberland River known as Neely’s Bend. Its bucolic farmland setting on the river features a 3.7-mile paved, multi-use path, equestrian trails, a public boat launch with associated truck and trailer parking, and an airfield for remote-controlled planes. Peeler Park encompasses 636 acres of parkland.”
So, where do we go from here? Well, if you’re interested in this becoming a reality and you happen to live in Metro Districts 9 or 14, I highly encourage you to contact your city council members. Currently, that is Tonya Hancock and Jordan Huffman, respectively. And reach out to the parks department! Share your enthusiasm for this potential project! Let them know that the proposed pedestrian bridge connecting the Stones River Greenway and E.N. Peeler Park would be a game-changer for cyclists and pedestrians in the Nashville area.
It would provide greater access to the network of greenways, mixed-use paths, and bike lanes, and would create new opportunities for recreation and transportation. While the project is still in the idea phase, reaching out to your city council members and expressing your support can help make this vision a reality. Let’s work together to create safer and more enjoyable spaces for all.