Trail would link Opry Mills to greenways

A proposed greenway trail could make biking between Opry Mills Mall and Donelson, East Nashville and Hermitage neighborhoods a lot easier.

Plans call for adding a three-quarter-mile connector path that would run parallel to the Cumberland River between Opry Mills Mall and the Cumberland River Pedestrian Bridge, said Jackie Jones, Metro Board of Parks and Recreation spokeswoman. It would hook into the existing Stones River and Shelby Bottom greenways.

Metro Parks intends to apply for a Tennessee Department of Transportation grant to fund the project, and the grant application is on the parks board's Tuesday meeting agenda, Jones said. The application also requires Metro Council approval, she said.

The extension trail would be made up of a combination of boardwalk and bridge sections, and is expected to travel along the bluff of the river's east side to Opry Mills and the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center complex. If funded the trail would lie in an easement below the office building at Two Rivers and Briley parkways. Gaylord Entertainment gave Metro Parks the easement several years ago, Jones said.

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Metro Councilman Jeff Syracuse, whose District 15 includes the possible greenway connector, said he is excited about the proposed project and has already received positive feedback from constituents and residents from surrounding communities.

"It highlights that our greenways have become utilitarian as well as for recreational use, and so this one will help get people to a major mall," Syracuse said.

Metro Parks wants public input on the project and has set up an Oct. 15 meeting at Two Rivers Mansion. Those who attend will be able to see proposed preliminary concepts and talk to engineering consultants and Metro staff.

Reach Holly Meyer at 615-259-8241 and on Twitter @HollyAMeyer.

If you go:

What: Public input meeting on proposed Opry Mills Greenway Connector

When: 5 to 7 p.m. Oct. 15

Where: Two Rivers Mansion, 3130 McGavock Pike, Nashville