About Nashville Parks Foundation
Our Mission
Our Vision
Nashville Parks Foundation envisions a Nashville known for a high quality of life with an abundant opportunity for nature and recreation. Parks provide four seasons to enjoy hiking, biking, sports, and community events. NPF focuses on providing the same high-quality green space in every neighborhood. Our parks are central to our identity as an active, sustainable, and economically vibrant city.
Our Story
Founded in 2015, Nashville Parks Foundation is Metro Parks’ partner in ensuring our city’s park system continues to thrive and grow with the city’s needs. NPF promotes parks for everyone through philanthropy, advocacy, and community partnerships. The 178 parks and 27 community centers promote wellness, strengthen neighborhoods, provide green infrastructure to protect the environment, and boost the local economy. NPF and Metro Parks strive to provide the same high-quality park amenities to everyone throughout Davidson County.
From vast natural areas to sports complexes, dog parks to trails, community centers to historic sites, after-school programs to fitness classes, art events to kayak excursions, Metro Parks offer a wide range of places and experiences to enjoy.
Board of Directors
Jillian Frist, Chair
Patricia Knight, Vice Chair
Kristin Conrad Brassell, Secretary
Adrianne Hatch, Treasurer
Sari Barton
Bonnie Dow
Stephen Francescon, Jr.
Brenda Gadd
Lisa Haller
Rob Laird
Lynn Maddox
Cheryl Mayes
Stevon Neloms
Kabir Sandhu
Aron Thompson
Ex-Officio Members
Monique Horton Odom
Director
Metro Nashville Parks & Recreation
Joe Stovall
Assistant Director
Metro Nashville Parks & Recreation
Advisory Members
Christopher J. Ott, MD
Chief Medical Officer, Physician Services
HCA Healthcare
Christy Smith, CFP, AIF, CRPC, CIMA
Managing Director – Investments
Wells Fargo Advisors
Brian Taylor
Owner, Broker
Progent Commercial, LLC
NPF Staff
Louise Bryan
President & CEO
“I have been coming to the East Park Community Center for about 8 years. I live right up the road so sometimes I can walk. I walk on the track and also do cardio and weight training. I have gotten to know some of the neighbors by coming here.”
— Jon, Nashville Resident
