title
A resolution requesting the Metropolitan Board of Parks and Recreation to complete a comprehensive permit review and implement procedures to ensure public access to public parks.
body
WHEREAS, the Metropolitan Charter delegates power to supervise, control and operate the parks and recreation system of Nashville and Davidson County to the Metropolitan Board of Parks and Recreation (“Parks Board”); and
WHEREAS, the Parks Board is responsible for managing and facilitating use of public parks to promote recreation aligned with the intended goals of the parks board; and
WHEREAS, the Parks Board issues permits that allow private parties to operate certain park facilities. These permits allow the Parks Board to broaden the types of recreation that the facilities may host; and
WHEREAS, some operators have restricted the use of these permitted facilities, even when various fields or courts are not in use. In extreme cases, Metro Parks Police have been called to remove young people from these spaces; and
WHEREAS, the parks of Nashville and Davidson County must provide a space to engage with community, escape the urban environment, participate in physical activities, and many other necessary functions for the health and well-being of all Nashvillians; and
WHEREAS, the Parks Board policies acknowledge the general rule that Metro Parks facilities be made available to all members of the public on an equal basis; and
WHEREAS, it is critical that the public is clear that parks are still held in the public trust, even when access may be restricted to permit users. In addition, the Parks Board must make clear in future permits that private operators must reserve time and space for the general public to use these facilities; and
WHEREAS, the Parks Board must make clear to permit holders that a permit does not grant them exclusive right to permitted facilities, which remain public spaces; and
WHEREAS, it is fitting and proper for the Metropolitan Council to request that the Metropolitan Board of Parks and Recreation review its permits and the policies addressing them to ensure that public parks remain publicly accessible.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE METROPOLITAN COUNCIL OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:
Section 1. That the Metropolitan County Council hereby goes on record as formally requesting the Metropolitan Board of Parks and Recreation to complete a comprehensive permit review examining public access to parks for compatible recreational activities.
Section 2. That the Metropolitan Council hereby requests that this review be delivered to the Metropolitan Council no later than August 3, 2026.
Section 3. That the Metropolitan Council hereby requests that all future permits issued by the Metropolitan Board of Parks and Recreation ensure that the public maintain open and regular use of the public parks for compatible recreational activities.
Section 4. The Metropolitan Clerk is directed to send a copy of this Resolution to the Director of the Department of Parks and Recreation, and the Metropolitan Board of Parks and Recreation.
Section 5. This Resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.