Location: Cannon Street, South Nashville (Napier neighborhood) Timeline: Groundbreaking – May 2025 | Ribbon Cutting – October 2025 Project Partners: Green Interchange, Nashville Department of Transportation (NDOT), Walk Bike Nashville, Civic Design Center
What’s the Napier Green Streets Project? The Napier Green Streets Project is a community-led initiative transforming Cannon Street in South Nashville into a safer, greener, and more beautiful space for everyone. What started as a response to unsafe routes to school has grown into a comprehensive “green streets” redesign—bringing together residents, artists, schools, and local organizations to make real, lasting change.
This project aligns with Nashville’s Vision Zero goals to eliminate traffic fatalities and with Mayor O’Connell’s Executive Order No. 45 promoting sustainable infrastructure.
Why This Project Matters The Napier neighborhood faces unique challenges—and this project is tackling them head-on:
Urban Heat Islands: New street trees and native plants will cool the area and increase tree canopy.
Flooding & Water Pollution: Green stormwater infrastructure will manage runoff and improve water quality.
Pedestrian & Bike Safety: The redesign will support safer walking and biking routes for families and students.
Climate Resilience & Nature Access: Native gardens and shaded sidewalks will offer residents a healthier, greener public space.
Our Goals
Create a safe, accessible street for pedestrians, cyclists, and public transit users.
Increase access to green spaces and improve community health.
Engage local youth and residents in shaping their neighborhood.
Expand green infrastructure in a historically underserved area.
Support environmental justice and climate resilience in Nashville.
What’s Happening Now
Community Engagement in Motion: Outreach events and fundraising for public programming are underway.
Art & Green Design Planning: Pollinator gardens, murals, and student-designed crosswalks are being developed.
Community Comes First The project builds on years of local efforts, including:
Walking School Bus programs for safer student commutes
Traffic calming near the public library
Earth Day cleanups at Dudley Park
Bike Month events with painted bulb-outs to slow traffic
Public Art & Student Involvement
Art will include murals, sculptures, and painted crosswalks.
Students (grade 5 and up) will submit designs through the Civic Design Center’s “Paint Challenge.”
Final art and landscaping designs will follow Metro guidelines and include community-selected themes.
What’s Next?
February: Community reviews design concepts.
March: Final feedback due
April 12: Join us for Napier Shopping on the Lawn – a major community event.
May: Construction begins!
October: Project celebration and ribbon cutting
Stay tuned for our Public Input Dashboard, where neighbors can review and comment on design updates!
Want to get involved or learn more? Contact us: [email protected]. Let’s green Cannon Street—together!
Our Partners and Sponsors
Waterways
Spring Creek and Black Branch Restoration Project
Location: Wilson County, Tennessee Prepared by: Tennessee Environmental Council & Green Interchange Project Timeline: Begins after permit approval | Tree planting continues through Winter 2025–2026
Project Purpose Green Interchange is leading a restoration effort on 950 feet of Spring Creek to combat streambank erosion and improve water quality. This initiative supports the Spring Creek Watershed-Based Plan and aims to remove Spring Creek from Tennessee’s list of impaired waters (303(d) list).
Why This Matters Upstream development has altered Spring Creek’s natural flow, leading to:
Severe streambank erosion
Degraded riparian zones
Increased sediment in the water
This project improves bank stability, protects tree roots, reduces sediment runoff, and enhances vegetation resilience, all while maintaining the creek's natural shape.
What’s Next? Here’s what you can expect in the coming months:
Construction Launch: On-the-ground restoration begins as weather and stream flow conditions allow.
Tree Planting & Live Staking: Scheduled for Winter 2025–2026, using native species to restore natural habitats.
Ongoing Monitoring & Reporting: Regular updates and documentation will be submitted to ensure transparency and compliance.
Community Involvement: Educational outreach and potential volunteer opportunities will engage local landowners and residents.
Stay tuned for updates and ways to get involved as we work together to restore and protect Spring Creek!
