In 2009, Metro Parks, the surrounding community, and many stakeholders collaborated on the development of a master plan for Shelby Park. The plan addresses the park’s deficiencies, preserves and enhances important features and programs, and presents a new vision for maximizing the park’s potential. A fundamental component of the plan is better management of traffic and parking while creating a safe and high-quality experience for pedestrians and bicyclists.
A first step toward implementing this part of the master plan has been achieved with minor changes on the west side of Lake Sevier. Last winter, Friends of Shelby Park and Metro Parks worked to create a new trail that connects Community Center Hill to the road segment on the west side of Lake Sevier. This offers, for the first time in many years, a direct and pedestrian-friendly connection from Lockeland Springs to the interior of the park. In May of this year, Metro Parks closed this same road segment to motor vehicles. The conversion from road to trail offers a lake-front opportunity for walking, cycling, and enjoying the lake without having to negotiate cars.
For motorists, there are convenient alternate routes to all destinations within and around the park. Directional signs have been installed at the park entrances on South 19th Street and Riverside Drive to inform drivers of the new traffic pattern. Fishing has always been, and will remain, an important activity on Lake Sevier.
The Shelby Park Master Plan is an ambitious, complex and long-term undertaking. While Metro and Friends of Shelby seek the funds to implement the plan, the nearly no-cost road conversion on Lake Sevier was a rare opportunity to see immediate results.
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I am really happy to hear that there is a “master plan” for Shelby Park. For an amazingly long time this park has been neglected and poorly maintained, There are weeds and overgroth everywhere. I know and like the fact that it remains a natural park, however when you see 6 foot weeds right by the lake it is absolutely ridiculous. There is a huge drainage ditch there, but that doesn’t mean it should be let to overgrow like it is. Put in some large rocks on the side of the ditches and kill weeds that grow through. This maintains the natural look but keep it from looking so shabby.
I would also like to comment on the road closure for connection to Lockeland Springs. Simply put, there has to be a better way. A walking connection for Lockeland Springs should not keep people who have walking difficulties from going onto the island and enjoying the wildlife. Some people might find it hard to walk from where the road is cut off to the bridge to the island. This is a functional road and I have never found the little bit of traffic any kind of problem when I walk that section of the road. People in vehicles are usually cautious and try to be respectful. Perhaps the solution would be a walking trail, whether concrete or dirt, around the very perimeter of the lake. Perhaps a walk, within 5 to 6 feet of the water. That would look good and solve handicap issues. The trail from Lockeland Springs could be worked in to this with a pedestrian crossing at the bridge or wherever it comes out. Please think about this. A walking trail around the lake and a bike lane seem much more funcationl than closing off the road. It is irritating and certainly not the best use of the roadway to just close it off. There is another problem in that there is really no where to park and walk to the island without walking a long way for a handicapped person. Nashville a should be a little ashamed of the way this park is managed. You would never find this kind of situation at Centennial Park. It is always well groomed and kept. Please consider these options.