Centennial Park Great Lawn Renovation - Nashville, TN

Phase 2 includes the renovation of the existing “Great Lawn,” the 19-acre area surrounding the Parthenon within Centennial Park. This phase also consists of the West End entrance road, lighting, irrigation, and landscape improvements.

The Great Lawn has been re-engineered with sports field-quality turf with drainage and irrigation improvements to allow the field to recover quickly after large events and festivals. Flanking the lawn on each side are 20’ wide pedestrian promenades lined with trees to provide shade. Along the path are stone seat walls and plazas constructed with Indiana limestone and Crab Orchard stone. An interstitial space between the trees has decomposed granite with a wax polymer topping. During events, this space will accommodate tents and food trucks.

The re-design of the West End entrance to the park includes a new sign with the park’s name etched in stone, along with planting beds to showcase seasonal colors with pollinator flowers and shrub species. This new entrance also provides more space for pedestrians to access the park.

Another component of this Phase 2 design was the relocation of the monument to Tennessee Women Suffragists, which now proudly stands on the east promenade. It took significant planning and coordination to relocate the monument in time for the centennial event on the great lawn.

In addition to the landscape and pedestrian improvements, a LED lighting system was added to the Parthenon to illuminate the iconic structure’s classical architectural features and sculptural details.

The construction began in August 2019 and was completed in July 2021. Collier acted as the owner’s representative and provided quality assurance.

Client: Metro Nashville Parks and Recreation Department