Friends of Mill Ridge Park

08/18/2026

🎉 Three years of Mill Ridge Park—and we’re still just getting started. 🚜

Three years ago, we rang a farm bell together to celebrate the opening of southeast Nashville’s long-awaited regional park. Since then, Mill Ridge Park has become a place to hike, play, exercise, discover wildlife, grow food, volunteer, create, ride bikes, practice yoga, watch movies under the stars, and simply gather outside.

And the next chapter is already underway.

🚧 Phase II of Mill Ridge Park is moving forward, expanding opportunities for recreation and connection across the park.

🚜 And last week brought extraordinary news for The Farm at Mill Ridge Park: a $2 million Land and Water Conservation Fund grant through the National Park Service and Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation, alongside major support from the Frist Foundation, the Joe C. Davis Foundation, and other partners. This investment advances the community-informed vision for an interactive farm park with community agriculture, farm animals and facilities, event and market spaces, and more.

We’re deeply grateful to Metro Nashville Parks & Recreation and to the foundations, businesses, organizations, volunteers, donors, and neighbors who continue to turn community aspirations into spaces, programs, and experiences.

💚 For our anniversary, we want to hear from you: What does Mill Ridge Park mean to you? Why do you visit, volunteer, give, or keep coming back? Share a memory, photo, or a few words in the comments or send us a message.

And if Mill Ridge Park has meant something to you during these first three years, consider making a special anniversary gift to help shape what comes next.

Three years of gathering. Three years of growing. Three years of community.

And we’re still just getting started.

🍐 Celebrate with us at Pear Jam 2026, presented by Freeland Auto on Saturday, September 26!

08/14/2026

🌳 BIG NEWS FOR MILL RIDGE PARK!

The Farm at Mill Ridge Park will be getting $4 million in improvements thanks to a grant from the National Park Service, via the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation, and matching funds from the Joe C. Davis Foundation.

The Foundation will provide $2 million to match the $2 million grant from the National Parks Service/TDEC to further the community’s vision for one of Southeast Nashville’s largest parks.

Mayor Freddie O’Connell’s Office, Metro Parks, Friends of Mill Ridge Park, the Joe C. Davis Foundation, and other partners are working together to implement the full vision for The Farm which includes creating new spaces for outdoor recreation, nature education, environmental stewardship, and the preservation of Southeast Nashville’s history.

“This grant will allow us to bring programming and opportunities to everyone that loves Mill Ridge Park. It’s the kind of work that strengthens the bonds of a community,” Mayor Freddie O’Connell said. “This caps off a great park and recreation month that saw us acquire 300 acres for Beaman Park, open the brand-new Mariposa Park, and now receive a grant to improve Mill Ridge Park.”

At 622 acres, Mill Ridge Park is already one of Southeast Nashville’s largest parks and this investment marks another major step toward creating an even more incredible destination for generations to come.

We can’t wait to see The Farm grow! 🌱
Friends of Mill Ridge Park

08/03/2026

Hundreds of neighbors joined us at Mill Ridge Park for Outside Cinema, presented by Amazon! 🎬🌙

Before the free screening of The Secret Life of Pets, our friends at Retrieving Independence welcomed guests with some very special puppies. Then families settled in with free popcorn for a joyful evening of movies, community, and outdoor fun.

Thank you to Amazon.com, Retrieving Independence, HopeKids, Inc. and everyone who came out and made the night so memorable! 🍿🐶

07/27/2026

Thanks for the love and support, Dan and Margaret Maddox Fund.

07/24/2026

Pear Jam is back—and we’re turning it up! 🍐🎶

Join Friends of Mill Ridge Park for the second annual Pear Jam, presented by Freeland Auto, on Saturday, September 26, 2026. After an incredible inaugural festival, we’re bringing the community together again for an afternoon and evening filled with:

🎵 Live music & performances
🚚 Local food trucks & cooking demonstrations
🎨 Arts, crafts, & hands-on activities
🛍️ Silent auction & Pear Jam merchandise
🤝 Community partners & local organizations

Pear Jam celebrates the people, partnerships, and park that continue to grow together while supporting greater access to nature, recreation, wellness, and conservation in southeast Nashville.

📅 Saturday, September 26, 2026
🕒 3:00–7:00 p.m.
📍 Mill Ridge Park, 12847 Old Hickory Blvd., Antioch, TN 37013

Vendor and sponsorship opportunities are available. Check the Pear Jam page for the latest entertainment lineup, activities, volunteer opportunities, and event details.

Save the date, invite your friends, and get ready for a pear-fect time! 🍐

Special thanks to our sponsors: HCA Healthcare | TriStar Health, Pinnacle Financial Partners, Wirtgen Group, Tennessee Arts Commission, Spire Energy, and Walmart. Your support helps make Pear Jam and free, year-round park programs possible.

07/23/2026

07/22/2026

On Saturday, we slowed down together. During our Forest Bathing Walk, we explored invitations like “green, not green,” noticed the signs of life all around us, observed pollen and pollinators at work, and practiced the simple pleasure of paying attention to what is in motion. We ended our morning gathered in community with a peaceful tea ceremony.

Thank you to everyone who joined us. If you’d like to experience more moments of presence, wonder, and connection with nature, keep an eye on our upcoming summer activities. We’d love to welcome you on a future walk. 🍃🍵

07/11/2026

🎨✨ Creativity was on full display at Mill Ridge Park!

Dozens of community members joined us for Art in the Park, spending the morning painting, drawing, coloring, making bracelets, and finding inspiration in the beauty of the park. It was a joyful reminder that parks spark imagination, creativity, and community.

A special thank you to NewsChannel 5 Nashville for helping share the story and shine a light on the many ways Mill Ridge Park brings people together.

Thank you to everyone who came, created, and made the day so special. We can’t wait to see you at the next park adventure! 🌿🎨