Located just a few miles from downtown Nashville, Stones River Bend Regional Park will transform approximately 800 acres at the confluence of the Cumberland and Stones Rivers into a major new regional landscape. NBW is collaborating with Metro Parks on a master plan for the park, building on the recently completed citywide parks framework, Plan to Play.
The site’s natural features make it one of the most distinctive landscapes in Middle Tennessee. Rolling hills, prominent bluffs, and exposed limestone shelves descend into the broad river floodplain, revealing deep ecological, geological, and cultural histories that have shaped the region over time. These landforms provide a powerful framework for conservation, access, and interpretation.
The master plan weaves active recreation and learning into this landscape, including an inclusive, accessible playground designed to welcome children of all abilities and encourage shared play experiences. With goals of preserving open space, enhancing ecological health, and increasing biodiversity while addressing the long-term challenges of managing large landscapes, the plan proposes innovative land stewardship strategies. Among these is the use of managed grazing with large animals, such as cattle, as a tool for landscape maintenance and habitat management, an approach that could inform the future management of Nashville’s regional parks.
