Centennial Park by HDLA

In 2013 HDLA, working alongside Nelson Byrd Woltz (NBW) was commissioned by Nashville Parks and Recreation Department to update the Centennial Park Master Plan as well as complete construction documents for a $9 million dollar phase one, and subsequently a $7 million dollar phase two. The Master Plan revisited ideas from the 1897 Centennial Exposition along with new low-impact design technologies to bring new life to the Nashville parks system’s crown jewel. Phase one comprised the Cockrill Springs quadrant of the park, which includes an outdoor amphitheatre and a new water feature highlighting the historic Cockrill Spring. Phase two focused on the reconstruction of the allees that flank the Grand Lawn and the conversion of the lawn, which was highly compacted and often muddy into a high-performing space with under drainage capable of handling the high usage the space receives. The team worked alongside the Metro Parks and Metro Water Services to achieve a design that honoured the unique and rich history of the site while celebrating the spring itself while also creating a gathering place for all Nashville citizens. The preliminary master plan was taken from Schematic Design through Construction Administration with HDLA leading the CD & CA effort. The project won the 2017 Award of Excellence from the Tennessee Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects, a 2017 Urban Land Institute Excellence in Development Award, and is certified SITES Gold.