Greenways for Nashville Hosts Another Magnificent Dinner by the Bridge

In 1991, then-mayor Phil Bredesen, in conjunction with the Metro Council, established the Greenways Commission to develop a network of greenways traversing Davidson County. In 1994, through a collaborative effort between the Commission and the Nashville community, Greenways for Nashville was founded to support the development of the new greenway network. The nonprofit’s mission is “to create, preserve and promote a system of greenways in Nashville and Davidson County [and to] advocate for the preservation and protection of natural and cultural areas, development of community recreational opportunities, and acquisition of land for preservation as greenways and parks.” To date, Greenways for Nashville has contributed to the development of nearly 100 miles of trails and the addition of over 7,000 acres of parkland to the area. Throughout the pandemic, many Nashvillians found solace along the greenway system’s trails.

On a beautiful evening in late September, supporters and friends of Greenways for Nashville gathered by the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge. Tables were beautifully arranged end-to-end along the greenway. Before dinner, guests enjoyed cocktails in Cumberland Park, where dancers from the Nashville Ballet Company — adorned in verdant costumes illuminated as the sun set — posed in elegant tableaux vivants. A notable presence of former mayors attended the event, along with newly elected Mayor Freddie O’Connell, who addressed the audience, expressing support for — and emphasizing the importance of — Greenways for Nashville.

When dinner was served, guests took their seats, and the evening commenced under the glow of an almost-full Harvest Moon. Wine flowed, and diners relished a salad of corn and roasted sweet potatoes, a main course featuring a sage- and apple-stuffed chicken breast and a French-style braised short rib, and a conclusion of tahini, chocolate and banana soft serve. As a memento of the evening, guests departed with Greenways for Nashville’s traditional party favor — a tea towel — to help them remember the event throughout the year.