May 2010 Downtown Nashville Flooding and the New Nashville Riverfront Park
Questions and Answers
Q: Has the recent flood caused any adjustments to the design plans for the New Nashville Riverfront Park?
A: The design team is working diligently to learn as much as possible about the recent flood and how it impacted the downtown riverfront.
This information will assist the design consultants in the ongoing riverfront planning and will factor into the decisions made with regard to improvements involving the design, infrastructure, facilities and quality of materials and landscape.
Q: Can anything be done as part of park planning and construction to minimize the impact of future flooding of the
downtown riverfront facilities?
A: Even before the flooding, federal regulations required a flood modeling program be developed to demonstrate that any changes to the downtown riverfront are done in such a way as to not contribute to increased flooding. In light of the recent flooding, the consultant team will update and re-examine the flood modeling data and study even more carefully how changes to the riverfront could best respond to any future events and increase the resiliency of the public facilities.
Q: If a 500 to 1,000 year flood were to occur again will it damage the new play park and riverfront features?
A:Prior to the May flooding, the design consultants were paying careful attention to planning a riverfront park in downtown Nashville that would be durable and resilient enough to withstand a significant amount of river rise and fall. In recent years great strides have been made in improving the overall capacity of park systems and materials to spring back quickly and inexpensively from serious weather events. Even though it is very unlikely this kind of flooding will happen again for many years, every effort is being made to learn from the recent flood and plan for how the new riverfront park can be improved to reduce these potential impacts and improve future performance of the infrastructure and facilities.
Q: In light of the flooding and the potential financial cost to the city, why does it make sense to build these riverfront projects at this time?
A: The vision of the riverfront has always been to advocate for this natural resource, keeping the river beautiful, accessible, enjoyable and productive, and to make sure it remains a valuable asset for the entire community.
The vision for the New Riverfront Park plans was greatly enhanced by the diverse views and participation in public meetings of residents from all over the county with interest in the environmental quality and quality of life for the citizens and visitors to Nashville. The public parks and facilities under design are a direct result of these public meetings held over the last several years, and the expertise of internationally recognized consultants in the field of urban design, engineering and economic development.
Much of the parkland is in the river’s floodplain on land that would not be developed in traditional ways. Land is being used that is not suitable for industry or other development and instead being used to create places and experiences for the public good.
These projects remain a vital component to the city moving forward and are an important element to the urban infrastructure environment of our city. Adding significant acres of park land and public facilities, recreation, and improved environmental quality allows us to face our river once again, allowing the public to experience the river in a positive, fun and exciting way.
….To find out more about flood assistance in the area, visit this website: http://www.nashville.gov/flood/index.asp
Q: When will the schematic design for New Riverfront Park Plan be complete?
A: The project team is currently advancing the 2007 Nashville Riverfront Concept Plan,
providing a greater level of design and engineering detail. The Plan will then be submitted
to State and Federal agencies for review and approval. Upon approval, and funding,
construction documentation will be undertaken for future phases of riverfront
improvements.
Q: When will the Play Park begin construction?
A: Ground breaking is projected to occur in early Fall 2010 and the new park is expected
to be open by the Fall of 2011.
Q: Will there be a “water” park?
A: The Play Park is conceptualized as a public “nature play” area and NOT a commercial water park. Play areas and features are inspired by natural landscapes. Some of these elements include ridges, hollows, climbing structures, and a water spray ground.
Q: Will there be an admission fee to the Play Park?
A: No. The park will be free and open to the public except during special events.
Q: Where can I park my car when visiting the Play Park?
A: Free parking is available in Lot R between Korean Veteran’s and Shelby Street Bridge.
Q: Where can I park my bike when visiting the park?
A: Bike racks will be installed at several locations within the park. Also, check out the new Bike Initiative program station at the Music City Star Station.
Q: Will there be greenway connections?
A: The Riverfront Park Plan will provide a continuous two (2) mile loop in the heart of downtown. At several points during this loop it will incorporate connections to greenways on both the East and West banks.
Q: How are the current riverfront development initiatives being funded?
A: Mayor Karl F. Dean and the Metro Council have allocated $30 million in the 2009-2010 Capital Spending plan to jumpstart revitalization of Nashville’s downtown riverfront, including design and construction of the initial phases of the New Riverfront Park Plan.
Q: Who is maintaining the Play Park after it is constructed?
A: Metro Parks and Recreation will be looking after the Play Park. Local volunteers will be able to help with the future management and care of the park.
Q: How can I learn more?
A: Please contact us using our CONTACT US page