Wedgewood Houston Social Breaks Records with Fort Negley Presentation
Wedgewood Houston Social neighborhood monthlyy event reache new heights on June 11th at Jackalope Brewery, drawing a record crowd eager to learn about the future of Fort Negley Park. This gathering, part of a popular series of community socials, showcased the neighborhood's deep engagement with local developments and its commitment to shaping its future.
Joe Stovall, Assistant Director division of planning and special projects Metro board of parks and recreation, who recently joined Nashville Parks and Recreation after 15 years with Chester County Parks in Virginia, led an illuminating presentation on the upcoming Fort Negley renovations. Joined by architects Richie Jones and Sam Irwin from HDLA Landscape Architects, Stovall unveiled ambitious plans for the historic site.
Now in its third year, the Fort Negley project has involved extensive community input, including over 40 stakeholder meetings. The team's vision is to transform Fort Negley into "an open-air museum of national significance that speaks to the cultural landscape to reveal history from civil wars and civil rights."
Stovall emphasized Fort Negley's importance as one of Nashville's most significant cultural landscapes, highlighting how the site interweaves multiple layers of national history. The renovation aims to bring this rich past to life while creating an engaging public space for the community.
Key points from the presentation included:
Design completion expected within 5 months
Construction bidding planned for late 2024/early 2025
Groundbreaking anticipated for spring 2025
Another major public meeting scheduled for late summer/early fall
The event's success was evident in both turnout and engagement levels. A Metro Parks representative remarked, "Wedgewood Houston's social was the largest and most engaged community meeting we have experienced to date on Fort Negley." This enthusiasm underscores the neighborhood's active involvement in shaping its future.
Chad DiDonato, leader of the Wedgewood Houston neighborhood group, expressed his thoughts on the event's success: "We're extremely humbled and grateful to receive positive feedback from Mayor Freddie O'Connell's office about the success of our neighborhood group. These monthly socials have become a cornerstone of our community engagement, and tonight's turnout for the Fort Negley presentation demonstrates just how invested our residents are in the future of our neighborhood."
The Wedgewood Houston Social events have become a beloved monthly tradition, offering residents a chance to connect, discuss local issues, and engage with city officials and developers. These gatherings have played a crucial role in fostering a sense of community and ensuring that residents' voices are heard in neighborhood development decisions.
As the Fort Negley project moves forward, residents can look forward to more detailed plans this fall. ‘The project represents an exciting development for the Wedgewood Houston neighborhood and promises to be a valuable asset for all of Nashville’, says Alana Hibbler, Project Manager, division of planning and special projects, metro Nashville parks and recreation department.
The success of this event not only highlights the importance of the Fort Negley renovation but also showcases the strength and engagement of the Wedgewood Houston community. As the neighborhood continues to grow and evolve, these social events will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping its future.
To learn more about Wedgewood Houston Social and their upcoming events, residents and interested parties can visit www.wehosocial.org. The next event promises to be equally exciting - a "Sip and Shop Local" gathering designed to highlight and feature the new shops, retail establishments, and restaurants that are opening in Wedgewood Houston. This event offers a perfect opportunity for community members to support local businesses while connecting with neighbors and exploring the latest additions to the neighborhood's vibrant commercial scene.
These ongoing initiatives demonstrate Wedgewood Houston's commitment to fostering a strong, connected community while supporting local economic growth. Whether you're a long-time resident or new to the area, the Wedgewood Houston Social events provide an excellent way to stay informed, engaged, and involved in this dynamic Nashville neighborhood. From historic preservation projects like Fort Negley to supporting new local businesses, Wedgewood Houston is proving itself to be a model for community-driven urban development.
