Nature Play at Shelby Bottoms
Nature Play Has Grown—Thanks to You!
In 2024, the community came together in an extraordinary way to revitalize a beloved part of Shelby Bottoms—and the results are now open for play!
Thanks to generous donors, volunteers, and supporters during our Great Shelby Giveback campaign, over $150,000 was raised to enhance and expand Shelby Bottoms Nature Play. Today, that vision has come to life with a reimagined nature play space that reflects the wonder of the park and the creativity of the kids who use it.
Since its creation in 2012, Nature Play has been a favorite destination for unstructured, imaginative outdoor play. But growing demand and years of joyful use made it clear: the space needed an upgrade. The 2024 campaign aimed to meet that need—and you delivered.
Expanded play areas to serve more families and accommodate a wider range of play experiences.
Natural and sustainable materials that reflect the unique ecology of Shelby Bottoms.
Designated zones for different age groups, including wooded areas for adventurous, independent play.
Interactive, open-ended play elements that spark creativity, collaboration, and exploration.
A new shade pavilion, connecting Nature Play to the Nature Center’s events lawn—perfect for programming and community gatherings.
New trees, offering shade and improving stormwater management.
This project was more than a renovation—it was a community investment in the health, joy, and development of our children, rooted in the mission of the Shelby Bottoms Nature Center: to raise awareness, foster respect, and share enthusiasm for our natural environment.
We are proud of what we built—together. Whether you gave, volunteered, or helped spread the word, this space is a reflection of your belief in the power of parks and play. Come see what you made possible.
Special Thanks TO
The Carpenter Family Foundation
Metro Nashville Parks and Recreation and the Shelby Bottoms Nature Center
Chop Nashville
Bootstrap Architecture ad Construction
Why Nature Play Matters
In a world where children's lives are increasingly structured and screen-based, unstructured play in nature is more important than ever. Nature play offers something profoundly simple and powerful: the freedom for children to explore, imagine, and engage with the world on their own terms.
At Shelby Bottoms Nature Play, kids climb, dig, build, balance, and discover—with no predetermined rules or outcomes. This kind of open-ended play fuels creativity, problem-solving, and resilience. It supports emotional and social development, helping children build confidence, independence, and empathy.
And it all happens outdoors, surrounded by the living landscape of Shelby Bottoms—where kids connect not just with each other, but with the rhythms, beauty, and challenges of the natural world.
Research shows that children who engage regularly in nature play:
Develop stronger motor skills and coordination
Exhibit lower stress and anxiety levels
Show increased focus and attention spans
Cultivate a lasting sense of environmental stewardship
We believe every child deserves access to this kind of experience—right in their own city. That’s why the expansion of Shelby Bottoms Nature Play isn’t just a park improvement; it’s an investment in healthier, happier, more connected children and communities.
Whether it’s their first time climbing a log, inventing a new game in the woods, or simply lying in the grass watching the clouds, Nature Play gives children the space and permission to be fully present—and fully themselves.
Built By Community Hands
The transformation of Shelby Bottoms Nature Play wasn’t just funded by the community—it was built by it, too.
Throughout the fall of 2024 and spring 2025, dozens of dedicated volunteers rolled up their sleeves to help bring this vision to life. From hauling mulch and building fences to assembling play features and clearing trails, their hard work and heart are woven into every part of the space.
These volunteer days weren’t just about getting the job done—they were moments of connection, shared purpose, and real investment in the future of the park. Families, students, local businesses, and neighbors all came together to create something lasting and meaningful for the next generation of park users.
We’re proud to say that Shelby Bottoms Nature Play is truly community-powered—proof of what’s possible when people come together for a common cause.
Special Thanks to:
Holcim
Nasdaq
Artisan Build Construct
Associated Builders & Contractors Emerging Leaders
TTACK
Foundry Commercial
Cross Point Church
Mission Wealth
Nova Construction
Flora and Fauna/Dave Saunders
What’s Next?
