Nashville, TN --- Metro Parks will celebrate the opening of Mariposa Park, a new 10-acre green space that began welcoming residents and visitors last month. The celebration will highlight the park’s importance as a new place for the surrounding community to gather, play, explore and enjoy the outdoors.

The park is designed to bring protected open space and recreational facilities — including play areas, walking trails and open fields — to a historically underserved area of the city. Mariposa means butterfly in Spanish, reflecting the diversity of the surrounding community. Because many butterfly species migrate across continents, the butterfly also serves as a powerful symbol of the immigrant experience.

The space blends active play areas with protected old-growth trees, many believed to be more than 150 years old, and features a playground, a multipurpose lawn for field sports and special events, pickleball courts, a basketball court and a winding trail network designed for walking, jogging and enjoying nature.

WHO: Metropolitan Board of Parks and Recreation
WHAT: Celebration of the department’s newest green space — Mariposa Park
WHEN: 10 a.m., Saturday, August 22, 2026
WHERE: 140 Tusculum Road, Nashville, TN (Media)

Public parking is available at Bart Drive at Algonquin Trail and McLendon Drive at Emely Court.

WHY: To bring recreational amenities to a historically underserved area of the city.

PHOTO/VIDEO/INTERVIEW OPPORTUNITIES

• Mariachi Viva Mexico: Originating in western Mexico, mariachi music is characterized by a combination of string and brass instruments, traditional charro attire and a distinct vocal style.
• Danza Azteca Quetzalli: Community group dedicated to sharing and celebrating Mexica (Aztec) culture through dance.
• Interview opportunities with:
  • Mayor Freddie O’Connell
  • Council Member Sandra Sepulveda
  • Parks Director Monique Horton Odom