The renaissance of Church Street Park

If you have resided in downtown Nashville for any length of time whatsoever, you know that Church Street Park (6th Avenue North and Church Street) brings a variety of responses and emotions when mentioned to the locals. In years gone by, it has become known as a haven for homeless folks and vagrants. I have nothing against homeless folks. I have volunteered time for The Contributor newspaper as a lawyer off and on for many years and have answered every call I have received from a vendor. 

But panhandling is definitely a sore point for downtown dwellers and in other venues such as the United States Post Office at 18th Avenue North and Church Street. Homeless people generally have mental health issues and a variety of reasons for being homeless. Handing out cash to them changes nothing. And them asking us and our visitors for cash is nothing more than a useless nuisance in a town that is more compassionate toward homeless folks than any other town I could imagine.

During the recent pandemic, Church Street Park was pretty much out of site. A chain link fence and tarps shielded it from public view.

For reasons that may or may not be related to the pandemic, Church Street Park is now back and apparently better than ever. New lawn furniture. Artificial turf around a planter in the center. Yoga and meditation classes, in addition to other activities. A recess cart with art supplies and board games. Policing of the place by the Nashville Downtown Partnership ambassadors.

You can read more at churchstreetpark.org

Look for it on Facebook and Instagram, too. The Instagram account is @churchstreetpark

From a lawyer's perspective, "the jury is still out". But this is a refreshing change thus far for a venue that has been cast as an eyesore in recent years. Here's to the change of angle and to the future of downtown Nashville, too.

James A. Rose

Publisher