Metro Parks today announced the appointment of Francois de Kock as Assistant Parks Director of Greenways and Open Space. In this role, de Kock will lead the department’s greenway and open space initiatives and oversee expansion opportunities for the current 110 miles of paved and unpaved trails throughout Davidson County. He will officially begin the position on June 1.
“Francois is a proven leader,” said Metro Parks Director Monique Horton Odom. “His collaborative leadership style and strategic vision will be tremendously beneficial as we continue advancing Nashville’s greenways and open space initiatives. He brings the experience and perspective needed to navigate complex greenway and open space development efforts.”
Recognized by his peers with numerous awards for urban design and planning projects, de Kock has directed the design and construction of complex capital projects including parks, nature preserves, greenways, and trails.
“I am truly honored to serve in the capacity of Greenways and Open Space Director for the community of Nashville and Davidson County. I believe the best communities are measured by the quality and accessibility of their parks, greenways, and protected open spaces,” said de Kock. “I am passionate about enhancing the health, economic prosperity, and quality of life for Davidson County residents by creating vibrant recreational destinations and public spaces through innovative placemaking, connectivity, and walkability.”
An AICP-certified planner and registered professional landscape architect, de Kock combines planning expertise with creative urban design solutions. His experience has helped produce numerous parks, recreation and trails master plans that are imaginative, flexible, and implementable.
Greenways Commission Chair Jeanie Nelson said, “As our city continues to grow, it is critical that this next chapter of our beloved greenways and open spaces be more vibrant than ever. We owe it to our current and future residents. And we know that it takes a leader who thinks big and creatively and who prioritizes bringing together our many stakeholders for that type of results. We are excited to work with Francois and his commitment to do just that and more.”
De Kock earned a Master of Landscape Architecture from the Harvard Graduate School of Design and a Bachelor of Science in Landscape Architecture from the University of Pretoria in South Africa. He is a LEED Accredited Professional and also holds certification from the American Institute of Certified Planners. Examples of his experience include project management of the Open Space & Trails Master Plan for the Town of Breckenridge, Colorado, Comprehensive Plan for Gilpin County, Colorado, and the Parks, Recreation & Open Space Master Plan for the City of Ennis, Texas.
Most recently, he served as the Public Sector Market Lead for Planning, Landscape Architecture, and Urban Design with Bowman Consulting Group in Nashville. In 2023, under his leadership at Barge Design Solutions, his team received the Civic Design Center’s award for the Parklet Design Competition. He was also closely involved with the final design of the department’s Mariposa Park.
About Metro Parks
It is the mission of Metro Parks and Recreation to sustainably and equitably provide everyone in Nashville with an inviting network of parks and greenways that offer health, wellness, and quality of life through recreation, conservation, and community.
Metro Parks oversees nearly16,000 acres of open space, including 189 parks and 110 miles of greenways. The department offers a variety of facilities and programs throughout Davidson County including after school programs for kids, senior programs, cultural arts classes, fitness classes, dog parks, a variety of trails, nature programs, sports leagues, ice hockey, art galleries, and much more!
