Bells Bend Park Planning

Bells Bend Master Plan
Bells Bend Park Map

Mountain bike trails

The Bells Bend Master Plan and the Bells Bend Interpretive Plan both recommend the development of mountain bike trails for novice riders. Implementation of this recommendation is underway. Metro Parks is partnering with the Middle Tennessee Chapter of the International Mountain Bike Association/Southern Off-Road Bicycle Association to design and build the trails with volunteers. Metro Parks has contracted with Lose and Associates to design a new parking lot, bridge, and other site improvements to serve the future mountain bike trails. Design development is underway.

Shorebird Ponds

Wetlands enhancements and shorebird ponds for Bells Bend Park were first recommended in the Bells Bend Environmental Park Master Plan - 2003. A Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) was formed to work on implementation, with representatives from Metro Parks, the Friends of Bells Bend Park, the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation, local expert ornithologists, and others.

In 2011 the project took a significant step forward with the completion of the Bells Bend Park Shorebird Pond Feasibility Study prepared by Littlejohn Engineering Associates and funded by a donation from Ray Bell Construction. This study laid the groundwork for the specific location and scope of work for the improvements.

The TAC has most recently been working with the Metropolitan Airport Authority - John C. Tune Airport, and the Tennessee Department of Transportation on mitigation collaborations that will fund the passive wetlands components of the project. The outcomes include improved wildlife habitat and water quality, and outstanding opportunities for nature programs and environmental education.

Birds Likely to Visit the Shorebird Ponds