Download a high resolution photo of the event.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. ñ Mayor Bill Purcell and Vanderbilt Vice Chancellor
for Student Life and University Affairs David Williams today joined
other state and local officials in cutting the ribbon on a new
playground at Boyd Park for the children who live in and near the
historic Preston Taylor Homes. The park and its playground were
renovated through a cooperative effort between the Metropolitan
Government of Nashville and Davidson County and the Vanderbilt
University / North Nashville Community Outreach Partnership Center.
"Every child should have a safe place to play, and every community
should have a public space that is inviting and welcoming to families,"
Purcell said. "Nashville is honored to join Vanderbilt in creating that
special kind of place for children and families at Preston Taylor
Homes."
The renovations to the playground and park were funded by the
Metropolitan Development and Housing Agency. Metro Parks was
responsible for overseeing the construction.
"This park and playground are part of Nashville’s history, and
Vanderbilt is excited to be part of the next chapter for this
neighborhood," Williams said. "We are most excited that this park
reflects the input and desires of the community. We look forward to
continuing to work with the residents of the Hadley Park, Preston
Taylor Homes and Tomorrow’s Hope neighborhoods and Metro to create more
opportunities for recreation and learning."
The plans for
the new playground and park improvements were developed in partnership
with area residents with an emphasis on designing a safe space
specifically for young children. Residents wanted a walking trail and
benches and sought facilities suitable for toddlers. Metro Parks and
Recreation included these elements in the final design.
Boyd Park, located between McKissack School and Preston Taylor Homes
at the corner of Clifton Avenue and 39th Avenue North, first opened in
1947 and has served area children ever since.
"I played at Boyd Park from 1958 to 1964 when I attended McKissack
School," said area resident Eldridge Ronnie Simmons. "My son and
daughter now play in the same park. It’s good to see the next
generation having the opportunity to carry on this tradition."
The Vanderbilt University / North Nashville Community Outreach
Partnership Center was established in the fall of 2002 with a grant
from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The
organization works in cooperation with the Hadley Park and Tomorrow’s
Hope neighborhood associations and the Preston Taylor Homes public
housing resident association to prevent crime, foster community
organizing and planning, promote health care and prevent disease, and
support economic development.
Media contact: Melanie Catania, (615) 322-NEWS
Melanie.catania@vanderbilt.edu