Metro Parks and Recreation hosts community meeting on Cumberland Park renaming

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — On Wednesday night, Nashville residents have the chance to weigh in on renaming Nashville’s Cumberland Park.

Activists hope to honor the people who originally called the Cumberland Park area home. The Indigenous Peoples Coalition Nashville and other groups have been working to get a request passed through the Metropolitan Parks and Recreation board to officially change the park’s name back to Wasioto Park.

The river that shares the name with the park was first known as the Wasioto River to the Shawnee people who lived in the region until they were driven out in the 18th century.

“We are still here,” Albert Bender, a chairperson for the coalition, told News 2. “It’s part of an Indigenous effort for the restoring and reclaiming of ancient Indigenous history.”

However, not everyone agrees with the coalition’s efforts to bring back the name Wasioto Park. Some residents have taken to social media and shared their thoughts, with one calling it “a waste of time and money.”

Residents have been invited to the meeting in the Parks Board Room at Park Plaza on Sept. 25 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. to voice their opinions. When asked about the meeting, a spokesperson for Metro Parks and Recreation sent News 2 the following information:

“We are looking forward to hearing what the community’s opinions are regarding the renaming of Cumberland Park. For those who are unable to attend tonight’s meeting, they can still voice their opinion by –

MAIL: Metropolitan Board of Parks and Recreation, Post Office Box 196340, Nashville, TN 37219-6340 ATTN: Cumberland Park Name Change

Clearly state if opposed or in favor of the name change. Include your name and address.

EMAIL: metroparks@nashville.gov

SUBJECT LINE: Cumberland Park

Clearly state if opposed or in favor of the name change. Include your name and address.

PHONE: Call 629-255-1200 , extension 51200

Clearly state if opposed or in favor of the name change. Include your name and address.

The Parks Board will accept public comment until midnight, Sunday, October 6, 2024.”

News 2 also asked the spokesperson about a timeline for when they would change the park’s name. The spokesperson said that, barring any unforeseen circumstances, the change would be discussed during the November board meeting.

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