A Riverfront Transformed

June 1, 2012, Department, by National Recreation and Park Association

Cumberland ParkLocated on the Cumberland River’s east bank under the Shelby Street Bridge, the newly opened 6.5-acre Cumberland Park and adjacent renovated Bridge Building enhance Nashville’s downtown area. The park is the flagship for the city’s 2010 New Riverfront revitalization plan—and it includes adventure and nature play, climbing walls and ropes courses, stepping stone paths, trails, picnic areas, an esplanade, and the historic Bridge Building.

The park’s landscape architecture design is intended to provide a natural playground that takes full advantage of water, light, stone, ridges, and valleys without heavy reliance on conventional playground equipment. Cumberland Park represents the first phase of the New Riverfront Plan: The city of Nashville will soon begin the next phase, the River Lawn and Landing.