Greenways for Nashville’s Dinner by the Bridge Celebrates 20 Years

In early October, Greenways for Nashville supporters gathered at dusk for the 20th annual Dinner by the Bridge — an opportunity to champion some of the city’s most cherished resources. 

The evening’s setting, Ascend Amphitheater, provided stunning views of the recently upgraded Cumberland River Greenway, now open year-round regardless of events. Guests mingled, sipped cocktails and lounged in amphitheater chairs while admiring the sunset. 

Executive director Meg Morgan welcomed the crowd and thanked co-chairs Sandra Duncan and Steve Sirls, who started the beloved event 20 years ago. She also paid tribute to late artist Phil Ponder, a dedicated Greenways board member who’d passed the day before. 

“As we enjoy celebrating the future of Greenways tonight, let’s also honor the amazing trailblazers, like Phil, who set us up for that success,” Meg said.

Metro Parks Department director Monique Odom spoke eloquently about the role greenways play in weaving together neighborhoods and parks. She also highlighted a recent 300-acre addition to Alvin G. Beaman Park, ensuring permanent protection for one of Nashville’s most significant landscapes. 

“Our greenways are more than pathways connecting one destination to another,” Monique said. “They are places where Nashville slows down a little. They give us room to breathe, to move, to reconnect with nature and with one another.”

Mayor Freddie O’Connell addressed the rapt crowd, sharing how increased sidewalks, bikeways and accessible public transit will give options for connectivity that have been all too rare in Nashville’s history. “The Greenways master plan has an ambitious goal: a trail within a 10-minute walk of everyone in the urban core,” he said. 

Invigorated guests made their way onto Ascend’s stage for an elegant seated dinner. It’s hard to imagine a more Nashville way to spend a Thursday night.